Champions League Last-16 Draw: Schedule, Rules, and Key Matchups Explained

Discover the schedule, updated rules, and key potential matchups for the Champions League last-16 draw, including insights on team seedings and country matchups.

The excitement of the Champions League continues as the last-16 draw approaches. Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming fixtures, updated rules, and potential key matchups.

Date and Time of the Draw

The Champions League last-16 draw will take place on Friday, 21 February at 11:00 GMT. Fans can watch the draw live on the BBC Sport website and app, with comprehensive live text coverage available.

Updated Format and Rules

This year, the Champions League has seen an expansion in games, increasing from 125 to 189, with the final scheduled in Munich on 31 May. Teams are seeded based on their performance in the league phase, ensuring top performers are spread across the draw.

  • Seeding: Teams that finished first to eighth in the league phase will face the teams that finished ninth to sixteenth.
  • Country Matchups: Teams from the same country can meet at any stage of the competition.
  • Away Goals Rule: UEFA has abolished the away goals rule starting from the 2021-22 season, citing it as no longer appropriate to hold extra weight.

Potential Key Matchups

  • Liverpool: Could face either Paris St-Germain or Benfica.
  • Arsenal: Might play against Feyenoord or PSV.
  • Aston Villa: Potential opponents include Club Brugge or Borussia Dortmund.

Coefficient and Extra Champions League Spot

UEFA will reward two leagues with an extra spot in next season’s Champions League based on their performance in European competitions this season. Currently, the Premier League is leading the race, with six of its seven teams advancing to the last-16 across all three UEFA competitions.

Latest Champions League Standings

For the most up-to-date information, including scores and fixtures, visit the BBC Sport website. Highlights of every Champions League game are available on BBC iPlayer from 22:00 each matchday, with a Champions League Match of the Day airing on BBC One.

Stay tuned for more updates and analysis as the Champions League progresses!

What to Read Next

Chelsea's Champions League Dreams Hinge on Final Matches After Costly Defeat
Football

Chelsea's Champions League Dreams Hinge on Final Matches After Costly Defeat

Chelsea's hopes for Champions League qualification are in jeopardy after a costly defeat to Newcastle United, with key matches ahead deciding their fate.

Gary Neville's Tense Anticipation for the Europa League Final: A Manchester United Legend's Perspective
Football

Gary Neville's Tense Anticipation for the Europa League Final: A Manchester United Legend's Perspective

Gary Neville shares his apprehensive yet hopeful feelings about Manchester United's upcoming Europa League final against Tottenham, emphasizing the high stakes and potential financial impact.

Nuno Espirito Santo: Nottingham Forest's Final Five Premier League Games Are Career Pivotal
Football

Nuno Espirito Santo: Nottingham Forest's Final Five Premier League Games Are Career Pivotal

Nuno Espirito Santo emphasizes the critical nature of Nottingham Forest's final five Premier League games, aiming for Champions League qualification.

Arsenal's Defensive Crisis: A Wake-Up Call After Back-to-Back WSL Defeats
Football

Arsenal's Defensive Crisis: A Wake-Up Call After Back-to-Back WSL Defeats

Arsenal faces a defensive crisis after two consecutive WSL defeats, prompting a team-wide introspection ahead of their crucial Champions League final.

Unai Emery's Aston Villa Transformation: A New Era of Football Excellence
Football

Unai Emery's Aston Villa Transformation: A New Era of Football Excellence

Explore how Unai Emery has transformed Aston Villa into a formidable force in European football, reviving the club's glory and aiming for Champions League success.

Arsenal Faces Real Madrid in Crucial Champions League Clash Without Jorginho
Football

Arsenal Faces Real Madrid in Crucial Champions League Clash Without Jorginho

Arsenal's Jorginho misses the decisive Champions League match against Real Madrid due to injury, impacting team strategy in this high-stakes game.

Mourinho's Masterstroke: The Psychological Play That Made Eto'o Shine
Football

Mourinho's Masterstroke: The Psychological Play That Made Eto'o Shine

Explore how Jose Mourinho's unique psychological tactics maximized Samuel Eto'o's performance during a crucial Champions League match at Stamford Bridge.

Postecoglou Defends Tottenham’s Europa League Journey: 'Spurs Does Crazy Things to People'
Football

Postecoglou Defends Tottenham’s Europa League Journey: 'Spurs Does Crazy Things to People'

Ange Postecoglou defends Tottenham's Europa League qualification amidst criticism, highlighting the passion and unpredictability of the club.

Arsenal's Resilience Shines in Champions League Semi-Final Despite First-Leg Defeat
Football

Arsenal's Resilience Shines in Champions League Semi-Final Despite First-Leg Defeat

Arsenal remains hopeful in the Women's Champions League semi-final despite a first-leg defeat against Lyon, showcasing resilience and determination.

Transfer Rumors and Player Updates: A Deep Dive into the Latest Football Gossip
Football

Transfer Rumors and Player Updates: A Deep Dive into the Latest Football Gossip

Stay updated with the latest football transfer rumors and player updates, including insights from Olympiakos, Celtic, and more in the Scottish Premiership.

Ousmane Dembele Ready to Shine in PSG's Crucial Clash Against Arsenal
Football

Ousmane Dembele Ready to Shine in PSG's Crucial Clash Against Arsenal

Ousmane Dembele is set to return for PSG in their pivotal Champions League semi-final second leg against Arsenal, following a swift recovery from injury.

Real Madrid's Historic Comeback Challenge Against Arsenal in Champions League
Football

Real Madrid's Historic Comeback Challenge Against Arsenal in Champions League

Explore Real Madrid's daunting task as they face Arsenal in a crucial Champions League quarter-final, aiming to overturn a 3-0 deficit.

Guardiola Warns Man City: FA Cup Success Won't Mask Disappointing Season
Football

Guardiola Warns Man City: FA Cup Success Won't Mask Disappointing Season

Pep Guardiola emphasizes that Manchester City's FA Cup success cannot overshadow a disappointing season, as they aim to rebuild for the next campaign.

Chelsea's Dramatic Comeback: Champions League Hopes Hang in the Balance
Football

Chelsea's Dramatic Comeback: Champions League Hopes Hang in the Balance

Chelsea's thrilling last-minute victory over Fulham keeps their Champions League dreams alive, but challenges remain as they fight for a top-five finish.

Inter Milan vs Barcelona: A Champions League Semi-Final for the Ages
Football

Inter Milan vs Barcelona: A Champions League Semi-Final for the Ages

Relive the thrilling Champions League semi-final between Inter Milan and Barcelona, a match filled with drama, goals, and unforgettable moments.

Load More

We use essential cookies to make our site work. With your consent, we may also use non-essential cookies to improve user experience and analyze website traffic. By clicking "Accept," you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy.