Champions League Play-offs and Knockouts: What We Know So Far as Arsenal, Liverpool, Spurs, Chelsea and Man City Reach the Last 16
The Champions League is entering its most decisive phase, and England’s heavyweights are sitting comfortably as the competition moves from the league stage into the play-offs and knockout rounds. Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Manchester City have all secured direct qualification to the last 16, avoiding the uncertainty of the play-off round and placing themselves among Europe’s elite.
Here is what we know so far.
Who Goes Straight Through?
Under the competition format, the top teams from the league phase advance directly to the last 16. Arsenal, Liverpool, Spurs, Chelsea and Manchester City all finished strongly enough to book their places, rewarding consistency and strong performances against Europe’s best.
Avoiding the play-offs gives these clubs a crucial advantage: fewer matches, reduced injury risk, and extra time to prepare tactically for the knockout stages.
What Happens in the Play-offs?
Teams that finished just outside the automatic qualification spots must battle through two-legged play-offs to earn a place in the last 16. These ties often feature big names and unpredictable matchups, making them some of the most dramatic fixtures of the season.
The winners of the play-offs will complete the lineup for the knockout phase and could face any of the teams that qualified automatically—except clubs from their own domestic league, depending on draw rules.
The Knockout Stage Format
From the last 16 onwards, the Champions League follows its traditional two-legged knockout format, with home and away matches deciding who progresses. Away goals no longer apply, meaning ties level on aggregate will go to extra time and penalties if needed.
The final remains a one-off match at a neutral venue, where Europe’s best will battle for continental supremacy.
What It Means for English Clubs
Having five Premier League sides already in the last 16 underlines England’s continued dominance in European football. Manchester City, the reigning champions in recent seasons, are once again among the favourites, while Arsenal and Liverpool are seen as serious contenders after impressive campaigns.
Chelsea and Spurs, meanwhile, will look to use their direct qualification as a platform to make deep runs and challenge the traditional European giants.
What to Watch Next
Attention now turns to the play-off draw and results, which will determine potential opponents for the English clubs. With European powerhouses still in the mix, the road to the final promises high-stakes drama, blockbuster clashes, and no shortage of surprises.
As the Champions League heats up, one thing is clear: England’s top clubs are perfectly positioned—but the hardest tests are still to come. ⚽