The League Phase of the 2025–26 Champions League has come to an end, with all six Premier League clubs at least assured of a spot in the knockout stages.
Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City, Tottenham and Chelsea have all booked direct qualification for the Round of 16, highlighting the strength of English teams in Europe this season. Newcastle United, however, still have work to do, as they must come through the play-off round to join their fellow English sides in the last 16.
While the play-off ties have yet to be decided, the range of possible opponents for the English clubs is becoming clearer, with several demanding match-ups on the horizon.
Potential Round of 16 Opponents
The five Premier League teams already through now have a better idea of who they could face next. Liverpool and Tottenham, who both sealed qualification on the final matchday, share an identical group of potential opponents.
Despite ongoing domestic pressure, Arne Slot and Thomas Frank will fancy their chances against Atletico Madrid, Juventus, Club Brugge or Galatasaray.
Arsenal finished top of the League Phase with minimal fuss and could be drawn against Borussia Dortmund, Olympiacos, Atalanta or Bayer Leverkusen.
Manchester City only just avoided the play-offs after a late win and now face four possible opponents, with Real Madrid and Inter Milan posing the biggest tests, alongside Bodo/Glimt and Benfica.
Chelsea’s next opponent will be determined by the outcome of the play-off round, with Newcastle, Monaco, Qarabag or defending champions Paris Saint-Germain all potential rivals.
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- Newcastle Face Play-Off Test
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- Newcastle are the only English side outside the top eight and must therefore contest the play-offs to reach the Round of 16. The Magpies finished 12th in the League Phase despite producing several strong performances.
With the play-offs seeded, Eddie Howe’s side will be drawn against either AS Monaco or Qarabag in a two-legged tie. Newcastle will learn their fate at the draw taking place on Friday, January 30, at UEFA’s headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland.
