Who will Chelsea face in Champions League last-16 knockout stage? | OneFootball

Who will Chelsea face in Champions League last-16 knockout stage? | OneFootball

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Evening Standard

·28 January 2026

Who will Chelsea face in Champions League last-16 knockout stage?

Article image:Who will Chelsea face in Champions League last-16 knockout stage?

Joao Pedro the hero as Blues fight back against Napoli to seal progress in dramatic fashion

Chelsea have booked their place in the Champions League last 16.


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In the new league phase format, which came into play last season, the top eight teams progress straight through to the last 16 and avoid a two-legged knockout play-off tie.

That made it four wins from four at home, with the standout being the emphatic performance against reigning LaLiga champions Barcelona when Estevao announced himself on the European stage.

However, Chelsea’s form on the road - losing to Bayern Munich and Atalanta while drawing with Qarabag - set up a tense final fixture away at Napoli where a place in the last 16 was up for grabs.

Joao Pedro netted twice as Liam Rosenior’s side fought back from 2-1 down in Naples to triumph 3-2 in dramatic style.

Who will Chelsea face in Champions League last 16?

Chelsea’s progression straight through to the last 16 means they will not face added fixture congestion in February.

The last-16 draw will take place on Friday, February 27. The first leg of those ties will be played on either March 10 or March 11, with the return fixtures a week later.

As a result of finishing sixth in the league phase, Chelsea will either face the winners of the knockout phase play-off between the 11th and 12th seeds, or the 21st and 22nd seeds.

All will be confirmed after the knockout phase play-off draw on Friday, January 30.

Potential opponents

Paris Saint-Germain

Newcastle

Monaco

Qarabag

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