The 2025/26 UEFA Champions League enters its most critical week of the knockout playoffs as the second-leg fixtures begin today, February 24, 2026. With the newly expanded league phase concluded, Europe’s elite clubs are battling for the final remaining spots in the Round of 16. Today’s action is headlined by Bayer Leverkusen hosting Olympiacos, while heavyweights like Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain look to build on their first-leg advantages.
Key Results and Playoff Standings
Following the first-leg matches held last week, several top-tier clubs find themselves in precarious positions. Real Madrid secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Benfica thanks to a decisive goal from Vinícius Júnior, though the match was marred by “ugly scenes” in the stands. Meanwhile, reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain narrowly escaped a scare against Monaco, securing a 3-2 win to take a slim lead into their return fixture.
Newcastle United has emerged as the surprise package of the tournament. Forward Anthony Gordon made history five days ago by becoming only the second player to score four goals in the first half of a Champions League game during their dominant performance against Qarabag. Opta Analyst reported that Newcastle generated 4.5 expected goals (xG) in that single half, the highest ever recorded in the competition’s history.
The New Format: What’s at Stake
The 2025/26 season marks the second year of the “Swiss-style” league phase. Under this format, the top eight teams from the initial 36-team league table automatically qualified for the Round of 16. Teams finishing between 9th and 24th—including giants like Real Madrid who failed to crack the top eight—must now navigate these two-legged playoffs to advance.
The draw for the Round of 16 is scheduled for Friday, February 27, 2026. This draw will determine the path to the final, which remains the most prestigious prize in club soccer. According to the latest betting markets, Arsenal currently leads as the favorite to win the title following a dominant league-phase run, closely followed by Bayern Munich and Manchester City.
Injury News and Other “UCL” Headlines
While soccer dominates the headlines, the term “UCL” has also appeared in major medical news within the sports world. In Major League Baseball, Baltimore Orioles infielder Jordan Westburg has been diagnosed with a partial UCL (ulnar collateral ligament) tear in his right elbow. He is expected to miss the entire month of April. Similarly, Minnesota Twins pitcher Pablo López is facing potential surgery after an MRI revealed a significant UCL tear during spring training.
In academic news, University College London (UCL) students recently won a landmark £21 million ($26.6 million) settlement over COVID-19 learning disruptions, a move expected to pressure other UK universities regarding graduate compensation.
Upcoming Fixtures
- Tuesday, Feb 24: Bayer Leverkusen vs. Olympiacos (Second Leg)
- Wednesday, Feb 25: Inter Milan and Newcastle United face tricky road tests to secure their Round of 16 berths.
- Friday, Feb 27: UEFA Champions League Round of 16 Draw.