Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images

Who Will Barcelona Face In UEFA Champions League Knockout Phase?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Manuel Meza Cienfuegos | Last updated Jan 30, 2026 2:09 AM ET

FC Barcelona advanced to the UEFA Champions League knockout round playoff after a solid group stage performance.

The Catalan club secured a top-eight spot, finishing in fifth place following a 4-1 victory over FC Copenhagen on the final matchday of the tournament's first phase.

In the round of 16, Barcelona will face either Qarabag, AS Monaco, Newcastle United, or Paris Saint-Germain. Barca will learn its opponent on Feb. 27, when a draw for that phase of the tournament is held.

Hans Flick's team once again left a very positive impression, just as it did last year, and it again qualifies as one of the favorites to reach the final.

Raphinha celebrates scoring his team's third goal from the penalty spot with Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD8 match between FC Barcelona and F.C. Copenhagen at Spotify Camp Nou on January 28, 2026, in Barcelona, Spain.Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images

2025/26 Champions League Playoff Dates

First legs: Feb. 17/18, 2026
Second legs: Feb. 24/25, 2026

The playoffs are two-legged ties, and the seeded team in each matchup has the advantage of playing the second leg at home. The qualified teams will learn their round of 16 opponents in a draw on Friday, Feb. 27.

2025/26 Champions League Knockout Stage Dates

Playoff round: Feb. 17/18 & 24/25, 2026
Round of 16, quarterfinal and semifinal draw: Feb. 27, 2026
Round of 16: March 10/11 & 17/18, 2026
Quarterfinals: April 7/8 & 14/15, 2026
Semifinals: April 28/29 & May 5/6, 2026
Final: May 30, 2026 (Budapest)

Where to Watch the 2025/26 Champions League Playoffs and Knockout Stages on TV

The playoffs and all knockout matches of the 2025/26 Champions League can be followed on television and streaming in the United States via Paramount+ and ViX, depending on the match, or on DAZN and fuboTV in Canada.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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