Champions League knockout rounds: Bracket, key dates, more

TL;DR

The quarterfinals of the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League are confirmed, with eight teams remaining after the round of 16. Key matchups include Sporting CP facing Arsenal, with Arsenal leading 1-0 from the first leg.

The quarterfinals of the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League are now set. After a thrilling round of 16 that saw the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City tumble out of the competition, eight teams remain in the quest for European glory.

Here's everything you need to know about the next Champions League rounds.

What are the quarterfinal matchups?

April 7 (first leg), April 15 (second leg)

Sporting CP vs. Arsenal (3 p.m. ET, 8 p.m. BST) -- Arsenal lead 1-0 after first leg

Real Madrid vs. Bayern Munich (3 p.m. ET, 8 p.m. BST) -- Bayern lead 2-1 after first leg

April 8 (first leg), April 14 (second leg)

Paris Saint-Germain vs. Liverpool (3 p.m. ET, 8 p.m. BST) -- PSG lead 2-0 after first leg

Barcelona vs. Atletico Madrid (3 p.m. ET, 8 p.m. BST) -- Atletico Madrid lead 2-0 after first leg

What does the bracket look like?

Here's where things stand with the quarterfinals underway.

How is the bracket shaping up?

The bottom half of the bracket (coined the Blue Path by UEFA) has broken nicely for Arsenal, who will be heavily favored against Sporting in the quarterfinals. Barcelona could await in the semifinals, but they will have to top LaLiga rivals Atlético Madrid first.

The top half (aka the Silver Path), meanwhile, is packed with heavyweight clubs. Real Madrid knocked Manchester City out of the Champions League for the third straight season, and they will face Bayern Munich in the quarters. Liverpool cruised past Galatasaray in the second leg to win 4-1 on aggregate, but they will face tough opposition in the form of reigning champions PSG after the French side romped past Chelsea.

Once again, we're poised for an exhilarating conclusion to the knockout rounds.