Madrid-Man City, PSG-Chelsea Headline Champions League Last-16 With Newcomer Bodø/Glimt

The Champions League round of 16 features blockbuster rematches, teams ending long absences, and the feel-good story of Norwegian club Bodø/Glimt.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Champions League round of 16 kicks off this week with several high-profile rematches, including Paris Saint-Germain hosting Chelsea and Real Madrid welcoming Manchester City. Newcomer Bodø/Glimt, the first Norwegian club to reach this stage in 29 years, will host Sporting Lisbon. Other notable matchups include Galatasaray vs. Liverpool and Barcelona vs. Newcastle, both of which faced off in the group stage earlier this season.

Why it matters

The Champions League round of 16 is always one of the most anticipated stages of the competition, as the field narrows and the stakes get higher. This year's matchups feature several rematches from the group stage as well as the return of clubs that have been absent from this stage for over a decade, adding extra intrigue. The inclusion of Norwegian club Bodø/Glimt is also a feel-good story, as they look to continue their Cinderella run in the tournament.

The details

The round of 16 kicks off on Tuesday, March 12th, with the first leg matches. Paris Saint-Germain will host Chelsea, a rematch of a July 2022 Club World Cup clash. Real Madrid will welcome Manchester City, the fifth straight year the two clubs have met in the Champions League knockout rounds. Other notable matchups include Galatasaray vs. Liverpool, Barcelona vs. Newcastle, and Atalanta vs. Bayern Munich. Bodø/Glimt, the first Norwegian club to reach this stage in 29 years, will host Sporting Lisbon on their artificial turf field inside the Arctic Circle, where temperatures are expected to be around 3°C (37°F) at kickoff.

  • The Champions League round of 16 starts on Tuesday, March 12, 2026.
  • The first leg matches will be played over two weeks, with the return legs scheduled for the following week.
  • The second leg between Real Madrid and Manchester City is scheduled for just six days after the first leg.

The players

Kylian Mbappé

A star forward for Paris Saint-Germain who is dealing with a knee injury and is questionable for the first leg against Chelsea.

Erling Haaland

The Manchester City striker who scored the winning penalty in City's 2-1 victory over Real Madrid in the group stage.

Bodø/Glimt

The Norwegian club making its first appearance in the Champions League round of 16, ending the country's 29-year wait to be represented this deep in the competition.

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What they’re saying

“It's under control, every day he's better. Right now, it's all good news.”

— Álvaro Arbeloa, Real Madrid coach (wbal.com)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The second leg matches in the Champions League round of 16 are scheduled for the following week, with the quarterfinal draw taking place shortly after.

The takeaway

This year's Champions League round of 16 features several high-profile rematches, the return of clubs that have been absent from this stage for over a decade, and the feel-good story of Norwegian club Bodø/Glimt making history. The stakes are high as the field narrows and the competition intensifies.