The 2025-26 UEFA Champions League enters its decisive phase as the knockout stage playoffs commence on February 17. This critical round features European giants like Real Madrid, PSG, and Inter Milan, who must navigate a two-legged tie to secure their place in the last 16. For fans worldwide, navigating the broadcast landscape is key. This definitive guide provides everything you need to know to watch every minute of the playoff action, with full schedules, global streaming options, and expert insight into the matchups.
The 2025-26 UCL Playoff Draw: A Path Forged for Giants
The knockout phase playoff draw, conducted on January 30 in Nyon, Switzerland, set the stage for a captivating February. Under the competition’s new format, the 16 teams that finished between 9th and 24th in the initial 36-team league phase were paired together. The eight winners will advance to join the top-eight finishers—including Arsenal, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City—in the Round of 16. The stakes are immense, with footballing royalty facing the immediate pressure of elimination.
Complete Champions League Playoff Schedule: First & Second Legs
The playoff ties are played over two legs, scheduled across two weeks. The first legs kick off on Tuesday, February 17 and Wednesday, February 18, with the return legs following on February 24 and 25. All times are in Eastern Time (ET).
First Legs:
Tuesday, Feb. 17: Juventus at Galatasaray (12:45 PM ET), PSG at Monaco (3:00 PM ET), Real Madrid at Benfica (3:00 PM ET), Borussia Dortmund at Atalanta (3:00 PM ET).
Wednesday, Feb. 18: Newcastle United at Qarabag FK (12:45 PM ET), Bayer Leverkusen at Olympiacos (3:00 PM ET), Inter Milan at FK Bodø/Glimt (3:00 PM ET), Club Brugge at Atlético Madrid (3:00 PM ET).
Second Legs:
Tuesday, Feb. 24: Atlético Madrid at Club Brugge (12:45 PM ET), Olympiacos at Bayer Leverkusen (3:00 PM ET), FK Bodø/Glimt at Inter Milan (3:00 PM ET), Qarabag FK at Newcastle United (3:00 PM ET).
Wednesday, Feb. 25: Atalanta at Borussia Dortmund (12:45 PM ET), Monaco at PSG (3:00 PM ET), Galatasaray at Juventus (3:00 PM ET), Benfica at Real Madrid (3:00 PM ET).
How to Watch Champions League Playoffs in the United States
In the U.S., CBS holds the exclusive English-language rights to the UEFA Champions League. Coverage is primarily streamed via Paramount+, which carries every single match of the playoff round live and on-demand. Select high-profile matches may also be broadcast on the CBS television network or CBS Sports Network. For Spanish-language coverage, Univision networks and the ViX streaming platform provide an alternative broadcast.
The Paramount+ Essential plan is sufficient for UCL access and is currently the most direct route for American viewers. You can explore their latest subscription offers on the official Paramount+ website.
How to Watch Champions League Playoffs in the United Kingdom
Viewers in the UK can watch the Champions League playoffs on TNT Sports (formerly BT Sport). TNT Sports broadcasts the majority of matches, with additional games available on their streaming service, Discovery+. Furthermore, Amazon Prime Video holds rights to a select number of Tuesday night fixtures each week, adding another platform to the mix. Always check schedules to confirm which broadcaster is carrying your chosen match.
Global Streaming Options and VPN Access
Globally, broadcast partners vary by region. In Canada, DAZN is the primary home for Champions League football. Australian fans can stream every match on Stan Sport, while in New Zealand, the rights are also held by DAZN.
If you are traveling abroad and find your usual streaming service geo-blocked, a reputable Virtual Private Network (VPN) can help. A VPN masks your IP address, allowing you to connect via a server in your home country to access your subscriptions. It’s a practical solution for dedicated fans who don’t want to miss a crucial playoff moment due to location.
Understanding the New Champions League Format
The 2024-25 season introduced a significant revamp to the Champions League structure, replacing the traditional group stage with a single 36-team league phase. Each team played eight matches against different opponents. The top eight finishers earned direct passage to the Round of 16. Teams finishing 9th to 24th, as we see now, enter these two-legged knockout playoffs. The bottom 12 teams are eliminated from European competition for the season. This format, designed to create more meaningful matches, ensures the playoff stage is packed with high-caliber, high-stakes drama.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I watch Champions League games for free?
Legal free-to-air options are limited. In the United States, a Paramount+ free trial may offer temporary access. In some regions, like Ireland, RTÉ and Virgin Media provide select free matches. Generally, a subscription is required for comprehensive coverage.
What if I miss a live match?
Streaming services like Paramount+ and DAZN offer full match replays and highlights on-demand shortly after the final whistle, allowing you to catch up at your convenience.
Will the playoff matches be on regular TV?
In the U.S., a limited number may air on CBS or CBS Sports Network. In the UK, most are on TNT Sports channels. The vast majority, however, are streamed via their respective platform’s apps and websites.
Who are the favorites in the playoff round?
Despite their league phase position, teams like Real Madrid and Inter Milan are considered strong favorites in their ties. However, the two-legged format and the pressure of elimination can produce surprises, as seen with Benfica’s dramatic win over Real Madrid in the league phase.
What happens after the playoffs?
The eight playoff winners progress to the Round of 16. A draw on February 27 will determine their opponents from the pool of top-eight seeds (Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Tottenham, Barcelona, Chelsea, Sporting CP, Manchester City) and map out the remainder of the knockout bracket.
Where is the 2026 Champions League final?
The 2026 final will be held at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest, Hungary, on Saturday, May 30, 2026.
What’s the best way to get live scores and updates?
For real-time updates and detailed match analysis, following official UEFA channels or trusted sports news sites like ESPN Soccer is highly effective.
Are away goals still a tiebreaker?
No. The away goals rule was abolished. If the aggregate score is level after the second leg, matches proceed directly to extra time and, if necessary, a penalty shootout.
Can two teams from the same country meet in the playoffs?
Yes. There are no national association protections in the knockout phase playoffs, so domestic clashes are possible.
Is the playoff round a new addition?
Yes, it’s a central component of the new “Swiss model” format introduced in 2024-25, designed to increase the number of consequential matches in the tournament.
Verdict
The Champions League playoff round represents one of the most intense and unpredictable stages of the modern competition. With European heavyweights fighting for survival and underdogs dreaming of glory, every match carries monumental weight. For viewers, the broadcast landscape is clearer than ever: Paramount+ in the U.S., TNT Sports and Amazon Prime in the UK, and DAZN in Canada serve as the primary gateways. By leveraging this guide—from the detailed fixture list to the global streaming instructions—you are fully equipped to experience every pivotal moment of the February playoffs. The road to Budapest is fraught with peril, and the journey continues live from February 17.
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