The UEFA Champions League returns this week with the first legs of the round of 16, and the stage is set for two nights of blockbuster European football.
Eight heavyweight ties will take place across Tuesday and Wednesday as Europe’s elite clubs battle for an early advantage before the second legs. Premier League sides Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, Newcastle and Tottenham are all in action, while European giants such as Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Barcelona also enter the knockout stage.
With several mouth-watering clashes on the schedule, fans can expect drama, big goals and defining moments as the race to reach the quarter-finals begins.
Galatasaray vs Liverpool
Home Win 4.10 | Draw 4.00 | Away Win 1.80
Liverpool travel to Istanbul for what promises to be a hostile Champions League night against Galatasaray. The Turkish giants already beat the Reds 1-0 earlier in the competition thanks to a Victor Osimhen penalty and they remain extremely strong at home.
Arne Slot’s side will be favourites, but Galatasaray have lost just once in 20 home matches this season. Expect a tight encounter where Liverpool will likely be happy to avoid defeat before the return leg at Anfield.
Newcastle United vs Barcelona
Home Win 2.84 | Draw 3.80 | Away Win 2.30
One of the standout ties of Tuesday night sees Newcastle host Barcelona at St James’ Park. The two sides already met earlier in the competition, with Barcelona winning 2-1 after a Marcus Rashford brace.
Newcastle’s attacking style makes them dangerous at home, but their defensive record has been shaky in recent weeks. Barcelona’s firepower, led by Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, could again prove decisive.
…and the winner of Fans' Goal of the League Phase ?
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) February 6, 2026
Marcus Rashford vs Newcastle ?@Heineken | #UCLGOTLP pic.twitter.com/pvIzC1uybD
Atletico Madrid vs Tottenham
Home Win 1.55 | Draw 4.40 | Away Win 5.60
Tottenham face a daunting trip to the Metropolitano Stadium to take on Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid.
Atletico have been formidable at home this season and their physical, disciplined style often causes problems in knockout ties. Spurs enjoyed a strong league phase but will need a huge performance to avoid falling behind in the tie.
Atalanta vs Bayern Munich
Home Win 4.55 | Draw 4.45 | Away Win 1.65
Atalanta welcome Bayern Munich to Bergamo after producing one of the most impressive comebacks in the previous round.
However, Bayern remain one of the strongest teams in the competition. Vincent Kompany’s side won seven of their eight Champions League league-phase matches and arrive in Italy as clear favourites to take control of the tie.
Bayer Leverkusen vs Arsenal
Home Win 5.50 | Draw 4.05 | Away Win 1.60
Arsenal travel to Germany looking to continue their superb Champions League campaign.
The Gunners won all eight matches in the league phase and have emerged as one of the favourites to lift the trophy this season. Bayer Leverkusen are a well-organised side capable of frustrating opponents, but Mikel Arteta’s team will be confident of taking a valuable away result.
Bodo/Glimt vs Sporting
Home Win 2.64 | Draw 3.45 | Away Win 2.63
Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt have been one of the biggest surprise packages in this season’s Champions League.
Playing on their artificial pitch in difficult conditions has already helped them upset several major clubs. Sporting arrive with plenty of quality but could face another challenging European night in Norway.
PSG vs Chelsea
Home Win 1.92 | Draw 3.75 | Away Win 3.80
Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain host Chelsea in a repeat of the Club World Cup final.
PSG have not always looked dominant this season, while Chelsea have shown flashes of promise under their young squad. The Blues will hope to take a positive result back to Stamford Bridge, but PSG’s attacking depth makes them favourites at the Parc des Princes.
Let’s talk about this Palmer goal. ? pic.twitter.com/Q3NICqEbSX
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 14, 2025
Real Madrid vs Manchester City
Home Win 3.40 | Draw 3.75 | Away Win 2.03
Real Madrid and Manchester City renew one of the Champions League’s most intense modern rivalries.
However, Madrid head into the clash weakened by injuries to several key stars including Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo. Pep Guardiola’s City arrive in strong form and will see this as a huge opportunity to take a first-leg advantage at the Bernabeu.
With both teams packed with elite talent, another dramatic chapter in this rivalry is almost guaranteed.
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