Real Madrid’s Impressive Start

Real Madrid has enjoyed a successful start to the 2025/2026 Champions League campaign, winning each of their first three matches in the initial phase. The team’s strong performance positions them favorably as the competition progresses toward the round of 16.

Key Results from the First Phase

• Matchday 1: Real Madrid vs. Olympique de Marseille (2-1)
• Matchday 2: Kairat Almaty vs. Real Madrid (0-5)
• Matchday 3: Real Madrid vs. Juventus (1-0)

Upcoming Fixtures

Real Madrid’s schedule continues with the following matches:

• Matchday 4: Liverpool vs. Real Madrid, Tuesday 4 November, 9pm
• Matchday 5: Olympiacos vs. Real Madrid, Wednesday 26 November, 9pm
• Matchday 6: Real Madrid vs. Manchester City, Wednesday 10 December, at 9pm
• Matchday 7: Real Madrid vs. Monaco, Tuesday 20 January, at 9pm
• Matchday 8: Benfica vs. Real Madrid, Wednesday 28 January, at 9pm

Playoff Round Details

The competition now moves to the playoff stage, involving teams that finished between ninth and twenty-fourth place. The eight winners from these playoffs will advance to the round of 16.

“Unlike in the past, it will not be drawn again in the quarterfinals or semifinals.”

Source Content

The eight highest-ranked teams from the League Phase will be seeded and play the second leg at home. The draw will limit potential matchups, ensuring the top teams can only meet in a hypothetical final.

Seeding and Potential Matchups

Arsenal and Bayern Munich, the top two teams from the League Phase, are on opposite sides of the draw. Similarly, Liverpool and Tottenham, ranked third and fourth respectively, will not face each other until a potential final.

FAQ

What is the format of the Champions League playoff round?

The playoff round consists of sixteen teams (ranked 9th-24th) competing in two-legged ties. The eight winners advance to the round of 16.

How does the seeding operate for the round of 16?

The eight teams that directly qualified to the round of 16 (ranked 1st-8th) are seeded and will play the second leg at home.