The bracket for the 2025–26 Champions League takes shape after the Nyon draw, with Inter favored in the short term and steeper challenges awaiting Juve and Atalanta.
The road to Budapest is officially set. Following the draw in Nyon, the knockout bracket for the second phase of the 2025–26 UEFA Champions League has been outlined, giving clubs a clear view of their potential path all the way to the final. Among the Italian sides, Inter emerge with the most favorable short-term scenario, while Juventus and Atalanta face significantly more demanding routes.
Inter’s immediate path looks manageable. The Nerazzurri will face Bodø/Glimt in the playoff round, a tie they will approach as favorites. Should they progress, their round-of-16 opponent would be one of Manchester City or Sporting CP — a daunting possibility on paper, but one that would only arrive after a comparatively softer first hurdle. Overall, the draw has been kind to Inter, at least in the early stages.
The situation is far more complex for Juventus. The Bianconeri must first navigate a dangerous playoff against Galatasaray, a fixture loaded with familiar faces and real threats. Former Serie A stars Victor Osimhen, Mauro Icardi, and Noa Lang headline a Galatasaray side capable of punishing any mistake. Even if Juventus advance, the reward would be anything but comforting: a round-of-16 clash against either Liverpool or Tottenham.
A similarly steep climb awaits Atalanta. Gian Piero Gasperini’s side must get past Borussia Dortmund in the playoff round — one of the toughest possible matchups at this stage. If they succeed, the draw offers no relief, with a potential last-16 showdown against either Arsenal or Bayern Munich.
The final pairings for the round of 16 will be confirmed with an additional draw scheduled for February 27, once the playoff ties have been completed.
As for the ultimate destination, the Champions League final will be played on May 30, 2026, at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest. Kickoff is set for 6:00 p.m. local time, an earlier slot introduced to improve logistics and the overall matchday experience for fans, teams, and the host city. As usual, extra time and penalties will be used if the final ends level after 90 minutes.
Among Italian teams, Juventus, Inter, and Atalanta remain alive in the competition, while Napoli were eliminated at the end of the league phase. The playoff matches will be played on February 17–18 (first leg) and February 24–25 (second leg). The round of 16 is scheduled for March 10–11 and March 17–18, followed by quarterfinals in April, semifinals at the end of the month, and the final in Budapest.
For Inter, the bracket offers a genuine opportunity to build momentum. For Juventus and Atalanta, the message is clear: the margin for error is minimal, and the path to glory runs straight through Europe’s heaviest hitters.
From www.uefa.com
Champions League Playoffs – First Leg
February 17
- 6:45 p.m. – Galatasaray vs Juventus
- 9:00 p.m. – Monaco vs Paris Saint-Germain
- 9:00 p.m. – Borussia Dortmund vs Atalanta
- 9:00 p.m. – Benfica vs Real Madrid
February 18
- 6:45 p.m. – Qarabag vs Newcastle United
- 9:00 p.m. – Club Brugge vs Atletico Madrid
- 9:00 p.m. – Bodø/Glimt vs Inter
- 9:00 p.m. – Olympiacos vs Bayer Leverkusen
Champions League Playoffs – Second Leg
February 24
- 6:45 p.m. – Atletico Madrid vs Club Brugge
- 9:00 p.m. – Bayer Leverkusen vs Olympiacos
- 9:00 p.m. – Inter vs Bodø/Glimt
- 9:00 p.m. – Newcastle United vs Qarabag
February 25
- 6:45 p.m. – Atalanta vs Borussia Dortmund
- 9:00 p.m. – Juventus vs Galatasaray
- 9:00 p.m. – Paris Saint-Germain vs Monaco
- 9:00 p.m. – Real Madrid vs Benfica
With everything set, February promises to be decisive for the Italian sides. Juventus, Inter, and Atalanta will all need strong performances over two legs to keep their Champions League dreams alive.
