The UEFA Champions League 2025-26 quarter-finals are officially underway, with eight of Europe's elite clubs fighting for a place in the semi-finals. Here's everything you need to know — fixtures, dates, kick-off times, and how to watch every game.
UCL Quarter-Final Fixtures 2026
This season's last-eight line-up features a mix of serial winners and surprise packages, with Premier League, La Liga, and Serie A clubs all represented.
Man City vs Real Madrid
The fixture everyone wanted. Pep Guardiola's Manchester City, energised by Nico González's creative spark in midfield, face a Real Madrid side that has won this competition more than any other club. Madrid eliminated PSG in the previous round; City came through a tense tie against Benfica.
Nico González, signed in the summer for €55 million, has been the season's surprise package — eight assists in Europe this term. Against Madrid's compact defensive block, City will rely on his ability to unlock narrow spaces.
Real Madrid counter with a front three that is still among the most feared on the continent. Vinicius Jr. will test City's right flank repeatedly.
Barcelona vs Arsenal
Marcus Rashford's move to Barcelona in January 2025 looked like a gamble. Eighteen months on, it looks inspired. The former Manchester United forward has rediscovered the form that once made him one of the most exciting players in Europe, contributing 14 goals and nine assists in all competitions this season.
Arsenal, meanwhile, have finally broken through. Under Mikel Arteta, the Gunners reached the semi-finals last season before a narrow exit. This year they arrive at the quarter-final stage in dominant domestic form, with Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard running the attack.
The first leg at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys is set to be one of the ties of the round. Barcelona have not lost a European home game this season; Arsenal have not conceded in their last four Champions League away matches.
- Rashford in career-best form
- Lamine Yamal's pace and dribbling
- Strong home record this season
- Bukayo Saka operating at peak
- Tightest European defence in the QF
- Arteta's tactical flexibility
Bayern Munich vs Inter Milan
A heavyweight continental tie that recalls the great European nights of the late 2000s. Bayern, under new manager Thomas Tuchel's successor, have rebuilt after a difficult transitional period and are back to their European best — scoring 22 goals in six group-stage matches.
Inter Milan's Italian-style solidity has frustrated opponents all tournament. Lautaro Martínez leads the line with six European goals this season, and the Nerazzurri's defensive organisation has conceded just four times in the knockout rounds.
The tie is finely balanced. Bayern's home form at the Allianz Arena is formidable, but Inter have already beaten stronger opponents away from home this season.
PSG vs Atlético Madrid
Paris Saint-Germain's rebuilt project — four years on from Mbappe's departure — has found a new identity built on collective pressing and tactical discipline. Ousmane Dembélé leads the attack with pace and directness, supported by a deep midfield that can suffocate opponents.
Atlético Madrid arrive under Diego Simeone, still grinding out results through defensive resilience and decisive counter-attacks. They've made the quarter-finals by beating teams who had more possession in nearly every game this tournament.
- Atlético have conceded just 3 goals in their last 7 UCL knockout matches
- PSG are unbeaten in their last 11 home Champions League games
- Both clubs met in the 2016 UCL semi-finals (Atlético won on away goals)
- Combined transfer spend this season: €380M
How to Watch Champions League Quarter-Finals 2026
Broadcasting rights vary by country. Here's who has the UCL in major markets:
- UK: TNT Sports (discovery+)
- USA: CBS Sports, Paramount+, UniMás
- Spain: Movistar+
- Germany: DAZN, Amazon Prime Video
- France: Canal+
- Italy: Sky Sport, Mediaset Infinity
All first legs kick off at 20:00 CET on April 8 and 9. Second legs follow on April 15 and 16 at the same time.
Semi-Final Draw
The semi-final draw takes place on April 18 at UEFA headquarters in Nyon. The final is scheduled for May 30, 2026, at the Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid.
Predictions
With both legs still to play, predicting winners at this stage is notoriously difficult — but the quarter-finals rarely produce upsets at this level when two giants meet.
Man City vs Real Madrid looks like a coin-flip. Barcelona vs Arsenal is the hardest tie to call in the whole draw. Bayern vs Inter could hinge on a single moment of quality in the second leg. PSG vs Atlético is the tactical chess match of the round.
One thing is certain: the 2025-26 Champions League quarter-finals will be remembered as one of the strongest last-eight draws in years. Check back for live updates, results, and full match reports after each game.
