The Champions League league phase concluded on January 28 with all games kicking off at the same time.
Teams were vying for a coveted spot in the top eight, which guarantees an automatic place in the Round of 16 draw. Those sides that finished from ninth to 24th in the standings will enter the knockout-playoff round, meaning their chances of progressing deep into the competition are far from over.
The tournament takes only a brief pause following the end of the league phase, with those teams who have progressed not having long to wait before the knockout rounds begin.
Here, we pick through the all-important dates for 2025/26.
Champions League knockout dates 2025/26
The knockout phase of this season’s Champions League begins in February and runs until the final at the end of May.
- Knockout phase playoffs: February 17/18 and February 24/25
- Round of 16: March 10/11 and March 17/18
- Quarterfinals: April 7/8 and April 14/15
- Semifinals: April 28/29 and May 5/6
- Final: May 30, 2026
Schedule of matches for 2025/26 Champions League knockouts
The below sections will be updated once the relevant draws have taken place, and the fixture schedule and bracket has been determined.
Knockout playoffs
The knockout-playoff schedule will be determined by the draw on Friday, January 30.
The first legs are due to take place over February 17/18, with the return games a week later on February 24/25.
Round of 16
The draw for the Round of 16 is held on Friday, February 27, after the knockout playoffs have concluded.
The games are then staged over March 10/11 and March 17/18.
Quarterfinals
The bracket for the quarterfinals and semifinals is set at the Round of 16 draw.
The quarterfinals themselves will be played over April 7/8 and April 14/15.
Semifinals
The semifinal matches will be held over April 28/29 and May 5/6.
Final
The final is on May 30, 2026, in Budapest, Hungary.