The Champions League knockout phase is rapidly approaching, and the excitement is building as teams compete for a place in the last 16. With the group stage now behind us, 16 teams are set to fight it out for a spot in the final stages of Europe’s premier club competition. The top eight teams — Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Tottenham, Barcelona, Chelsea, Sporting, and Manchester City — have already qualified, but the big question remains: who will they face in the next round?
What Are the Play-Offs?
The teams finishing in ninth to 24th place in the group stage will now battle it out in two-legged play-off matches. These matches will determine which eight teams advance as unseeded sides for the knockout round. The winners will then face the top eight teams in the final 16. The stakes are high, as these crucial games will decide who progresses further in the tournament.
Play-Off Matches and Odds
Here are the match-ups and odds for the upcoming play-offs:
- Benfica (9/2) vs Real Madrid (9/50)
- Bodo/Glimt (9/2) vs Inter Milan (9/50)
- Monaco (7/1) vs PSG (83/100)
- Qarabag (12/1) vs Newcastle (1/25)
- Galatasaray (9/4) vs Juventus (1/3)
- Club Brugge (4/1) vs Atletico Madrid (16/100)
- Borussia Dortmund (1/1) vs Atalanta (3/4)
- Olympiacos (6/5) vs Bayer Leverkusen (5/8)
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Key Dates
The first legs of the play-off ties will take place on February 17 and 18, 2026, with the second legs scheduled for February 24 and 25, 2026. These dates will be crucial in determining which teams will secure their place in the knockout phase.
Market Odds for Champions League Winner
Bet365 also offers odds on which teams are favourites to win the competition:
- Arsenal (9/2)
- Bayern Munich (11/2)
- Man City (8/1)
- Liverpool (11/1)
- Barcelona (8/1)
- Chelsea (19/1)
- Real Madrid (13/1)
- Tottenham (34/1)
- Atalanta (81/1)
- Galatasaray (151/1)
- Monaco (151/1)
- Newcastle (41/1)
- Bodo/Glimt (351/1)
- Club Brugge (251/1)
- Olympiakos (251/1)
- FK Qarabag (501/1)
With these odds, the competition promises to be fierce, and there will be plenty of drama as teams aim for glory.
The road to the final is set, but the question remains: which of these 16 teams will make it to the knockout phase and ultimately claim the Champions League trophy? Stay tuned for the results of these highly anticipated play-offs.
Author:
Lucas Portela
Owner, BoldGambler • Avanhandava/SP
Oddsmaker, affiliate and content creator in the iGaming industry.