Champions League Quarter-Final Draw Throws Up Mouthwatering Clashes: Arsenal vs Real Madrid, Liverpool vs PSG Headline Last Eight
Published Date: 2 Feb, 2026
February 2, 2026
The UEFA Champions League quarter-final draw in Nyon on Friday delivered a set of heavyweight ties that promise fireworks over the next two months. Arsenal will face the defending champions Real Madrid, while Liverpool draw Paris Saint-Germain in the pick of the last-eight matchups. The remaining pairings see Bayern Munich take on Manchester City and Barcelona meet Inter Milan, ensuring every quarter-final carries genuine blockbuster status.
With no seeded protection and no easy routes remaining, the draw has set up what many are already calling one of the most open and unpredictable Champions League knockout stages in recent seasons.
Quarter-Final Line-Ups
- Arsenal vs Real Madrid Mikel Arteta's Arsenal side, riding high after an impressive round-of-16 performance, now face the ultimate test against Carlo Ancelotti's Real Madrid. The Gunners will host the first leg before travelling to the Bernabéu, where the Spanish giants have so often turned ties in their favour.
- Liverpool vs Paris Saint-Germain Arne Slot's Liverpool, known for their relentless pressing and attacking flair, meet Luis Enrique's star-studded Paris Saint-Germain outfit. The tie pits two of Europe's most entertaining teams against each other, with both sides likely to go for the win from the opening whistle.
- Bayern Munich vs Manchester City A rematch of recent European classics sees Pep Guardiola return to Germany to face Bayern Munich. The Bavarians, revitalised under their current manager, will look to exploit home advantage in the first leg, while City aim to continue their recent dominance in continental competition.
- Barcelona vs Inter Milan Hansi Flick's resurgent Barcelona take on Simone Inzaghi's tactically disciplined Inter Milan. The Catalan side bring momentum and attacking quality, while Inter have proven themselves masters of the counter-attack and set-piece execution in recent Champions League campaigns.
Schedule and Rules Recap
First-leg matches are set for April 8 and 9, with second legs following on April 15 and 16. Away goals no longer count as a tiebreaker; any level aggregate score after 180 minutes will go straight to extra time and, if necessary, penalties.
The semi-final draw will occur immediately after the quarter-finals conclude, with the 2026 Champions League final scheduled for Saturday, May 30 at the Allianz Arena in Munich.
Immediate Reactions from Managers and Players
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta described the Real Madrid tie as "the biggest challenge in club football" and an opportunity for his young squad to prove themselves on the grandest stage. Liverpool boss Arne Slot called the PSG matchup "a dream tie for neutrals" and promised his team would embrace the occasion with attacking intent.
Real Madrid captain and veteran Luka Modrić acknowledged Arsenal's quality but expressed confidence in the club's European pedigree. PSG forward Bradley Barcola said the Liverpool game would be "a battle of styles" and predicted an open, high-scoring affair.
The quarter-final draw has ignited excitement across Europe, with fans and pundits already predicting classic encounters and potential upsets. As the remaining eight clubs prepare for April's decisive clashes, the 2025/26 Champions League knockout phase looks set to deliver unforgettable drama and elite-level football.
Date: 2 Feb, 2026
