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The 2025-26 Champions League quarterfinal picture is beginning to form after a dramatic stretch of round-of-16 action. Sporting CP and Arsenal already know they will meet in the last eight, while Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid and several other contenders are waiting for the final places to be confirmed.
The bracket was locked in after the round-of-16 draw, so every remaining club already knows the two possible quarterfinal opponents on its path to the final in Budapest on May 30. With four last-16 ties still to be completed on Wednesday, the shape of the next round is already clear.
1. Paris Saint-Germain vs Galatasaray or Liverpool — Defending Champions Await
Paris Saint-Germain are through to the quarterfinals after eliminating Chelsea with an 8-2 aggregate victory. Luis Enrique’s side advanced by building on a commanding first-leg advantage, underlining why the reigning champions remain one of the strongest teams left in the competition.
PSG will face either Galatasaray or Liverpool in the next round. Liverpool trail by one goal after the first leg in Istanbul, but a return to Anfield keeps the tie alive heading into the second leg. Galatasaray, meanwhile, are one result away from reaching the quarterfinals and carrying their momentum deeper into the tournament. Whoever advances will face a PSG side that has already shown title-winning form in the knockout phase.
2. Real Madrid vs Atalanta or Bayern Munich — A Familiar European Rivalry Looms
Real Madrid have already booked their place in the quarterfinals after seeing off Manchester City. The 15-time European champions progressed by adding to a one-sided first-leg lead, continuing their push for another deep run in the competition they have dominated more than any other club.
Their likely opponents are Bayern Munich, who took a 6-1 first-leg lead away to Atalanta. That result leaves Bayern in near-complete control of the tie before the second leg in Munich. Atalanta are still alive, but the scale of Bayern’s advantage means the German side are firmly positioned to set up another heavyweight meeting with Madrid. If it happens, it will renew one of the competition’s most established rivalries.
3. Newcastle United or Barcelona vs Atlético Madrid or Tottenham Hotspur — The Most Open Quarterfinal Path
This section of the bracket remains the least settled. Newcastle United and Barcelona are still fighting for one place, while Atlético Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur are contesting the other. That leaves four different quarterfinal combinations possible heading into the final set of last-16 second legs.
Barcelona hold the edge in their tie after a 1-1 draw at St James’ Park, where Lamine Yamal’s late penalty gave Hansi Flick’s side the advantage before the return at Camp Nou. Atlético Madrid also appear to be in a strong position against Tottenham. If Barcelona and Atlético both advance, that would add another chapter to a recent sequence in which Atlético have repeatedly troubled Barça over two legs. Newcastle and Tottenham, however, are still close enough to turn that section of the bracket in a different direction.
4. Sporting CP vs Arsenal — The First Confirmed Quarterfinal
Sporting CP against Arsenal is the only quarterfinal already confirmed. Sporting reached the last eight by overturning a three-goal deficit against Bodø/Glimt and completing a 5-0 extra-time win, one of the most dramatic comebacks of the round.
Arsenal also moved through with authority after beating Bayer Leverkusen at home. Mikel Arteta’s team have been highly consistent in Europe this season, and that form makes Arsenal the early favorites for the tie. Sporting, though, arrive with momentum and a reminder that knockout football can change quickly when a team gains belief at the right moment.
When The Champions League Quarterfinals Will Be Played
The quarterfinals will be held after the March international break, with the first legs scheduled for Tuesday, April 7 and Wednesday, April 8. The return legs will follow on Tuesday, April 14 and Wednesday, April 15.
The winners will progress into semifinals staged at the end of April and the beginning of May. The final will be played at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest on May 30, meaning the quarterfinal draw path now carries even greater weight as the competition moves into its decisive phase.