UEFA Champions League 2025/26: Play-off Highlights, Key Stats, and Upcoming League Phase

 

The UEFA Champions League 2025/26 season is already shaping up to be one of the most dramatic in recent history. The play-off rounds delivered high-stakes football filled with red cards, penalty shootouts, and surprise outcomes that thrilled fans across Europe.

Among the standout stories, Bodø/Glimt continued their rise by securing a spot in the league phase, while Cyprus’ Pafos achieved a historic qualification. Kairat Almaty from Kazakhstan also made headlines by booking their place, further proving the global reach and competitiveness of European football. Meanwhile, Qarabag overcame Ferencváros in a tense second leg to join the 36 clubs in the new league format.

Defending champions Paris Saint-Germain enter the season with the pressure of protecting their maiden European crown. With Europe’s giants—Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City—gearing up for the expanded league phase, the competition promises drama from start to finish.

The league phase draw, scheduled for 28 August 2025, will determine the matchups that set the tone for the season ahead. With underdogs ready to challenge the elite and rule amendments reshaping the format, fans are bracing for a high-intensity campaign filled with unforgettable football moments.

The UEFA Champions League 2025/26 isn’t just another season—it’s a story of tradition, ambition, and the unpredictable beauty of football.