Champions League Draw Looms After Playoff Upsets

The UEFA Champions League playoff round delivered dramatic results, setting the stage for Friday’s draw for the Round of 16 and the ultimate pursuit of the trophy in Budapest. Bodø/Glimt’s stunning victory over Inter Milan and Atalanta’s last-gasp qualification highlight a reshaped European landscape.

Bodø/Glimt Stuns Inter, Advances to Round of 16

In a remarkable turn of events, Bodø/Glimt eliminated Inter Milan from Champions League contention. Following a 3-1 victory in Norway, Bodø/Glimt secured a 2-1 win in the return leg at the San Siro on February 24, 2026, completing a historic upset. Inter.it reports that Inter, finalists in the previous season, suffered a shocking defeat. The Norwegian club, once facing bankruptcy sixteen years ago, has now earned its place among Europe’s elite.

Other Qualifying Teams and Notable Eliminations

Alongside Bodø/Glimt, Atalanta, Atlético Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, Newcastle United, Real Madrid, and Paris Saint-Germain all successfully qualified for the Round of 16. Juventus, despite a significant comeback attempt, was eliminated by Galatasaray in extra time.

The Draw in Nyon: What to Expect

The draw will take place on Friday at 12:00 PM CET in Nyon, Switzerland. The eight teams that finished first and second in their Champions League groups are seeded, and will be drawn against the eight playoff winners. Teams will be grouped based on their final league stage ranking (1st/2nd, 3rd/4th, 5th/6th, 7th/8th). A team will be drawn from each group, determining their position in either the “silver” or “blue” half of the bracket. The first team drawn will be placed in the silver half, and the second in the blue half, with both teams playing the return leg at home.

Road to Budapest: Key Dates

The knockout stage schedule is as follows:

• Round of 16: March 10/11 &amp. March 17/18, 2026
• Quarter-finals: April 7/8 & April 14/15, 2026
• Semi-finals: April 28/29 & May 5/6, 2026
• Final: May 30, 2026, in Budapest

Current Champions League Round of 16 Qualified Teams

1. Arsenal FC
2. Bayern Munich
3. Liverpool FC
4. Tottenham Hotspur FC
5. FC Barcelona
6. Chelsea FC
7. Sporting CP
8. Manchester City FC
9. Real Madrid
10. Inter Milan
11. Paris Saint-Germain
12. Newcastle United FC
13. Atalanta
14. Bayer Leverkusen
15. Atlético Madrid
16. Borussia Dortmund

All eyes are now on Nyon as the teams await their fate and the path to the Champions League final in Budapest unfolds.