2025-26 Champions League playoffs: First-leg results and second-leg dates

The opening leg of the new Champions League playoff round is in the books, and the race for a place in the round of 16 is heating up.

Sixteen teams that narrowly missed out on the coveted top eight are now battling for survival in this knockout stage, fighting to keep their European dreams alive. Among them, Spanish giants Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid delivered very different storylines, offering early clues about what could be in store when the second legs kick off next week.

Vinicius delivers as controversy follows Madrid

Real Madrid escaped with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Benfica thanks to a stunning goal from Vinicius Junior. The Brazilian star once again proved decisive on the European stage, but the match was overshadowed by controversy.

There were allegations of racist abuse directed at Vinicius during the game, and manager José Mourinho was shown a red card in a fiery encounter that had no shortage of drama. On the field, though, Madrid did what they so often do in Europe, find a way to win.

Elsewhere Tuesday, Galatasaray delivered the shock of the round, routing Juventus 5-2 in Istanbul to seize control of the tie. PSG also survived a scare in an all-French showdown, rallying from behind to defeat Monaco 3-2 on the road. Borussia Dortmund, meanwhile, saw off Atalanta 2-0 with little fuss.

Newcastle run riot, Bodo shocks Inter

Wednesday’s action began with a statement from Newcastle United. The Premier League side traveled to Azerbaijan and crushed Qarabag 6-1, all but sealing its spot in the round of 16 before the return leg.

At the same time, Bayer Leverkusen earned a composed 2-0 road win over Olympiacos, putting pressure on the Greek club ahead of the second leg.

The biggest surprise of the day came in Norway. Inter Milan struggled in freezing conditions and fell 3-1 to Bodo/Glimt, the tournament’s giant killer so far. The Norwegian side played fearless, high-tempo soccer and now carries a significant advantage into the return match in Italy.

Atletico leaves it late in Madrid

Atlético Madrid’s first leg may prove costly. Diego Simeone’s team squandered two separate leads in a wild 3-3 draw at Club Brugge.

Now, Atlético must win at the Metropolitano next week to secure its place among Europe’s final 16. After letting control slip away twice, there is little margin for error.

Champions League knockout phase playoffs: First-leg results

When are the second legs of the Champions League knockout phase playoffs?

Tuesday, Feb. 24

Atletico Madrid vs Club Brugge, 12:45 p.m. ET

Leverkusen vs Olympiacos , 3 p.m. ET

Inter vs Bodo/Glimt, 3 p.m. ET

Newcastle vs Qarabag, 3 p.m. ET

Wednesday, Feb. 25

Dortmund vs Atalanta, 12:45 p.m. ET

Real Madrid vs Benfica, 3 p.m. ET

Galatasaray vs Juventus, 3 p.m. ET

PSG vs Monaco, 3 p.m. ET

When is the draw for the Champions League 2025-26 round of 16?

The round of 16 draw takes place on Friday, February 27. The bracket for the entire knockout stage will be set on that date.

Although the exact matchups are not yet known, certain sets of teams have been paired together, giving a clearer picture of how the round of 16 could look:

The first legs of the round of 16 will be played on Tuesday, March 11, and Wednesday, March 12. The return legs follow the next week on Tuesday, March 18, and Wednesday, March 19.

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