UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Third Round Schedule and Match Format Revealed
Significant developments have emerged regarding the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Third Round schedule and match format. The matches are set to occur on October 21 and 22, continuing the tournament’s innovative design.
New Match Format for UEFA Champions League
This season marks the second iteration of the revamped format. A total of 36 clubs will participate, competing in a single schedule without traditional group stages. Each team will play eight matches, with four at home and four away, against different opponents.
Advancement to Playoffs
Following the conclusion of these matches, the top 24 teams, determined by points accrued, will qualify for the playoff rounds. Every victory plays a critical role in a team’s journey towards the knockout stages of the tournament.
Third Round Match Schedule
The fixtures for this pivotal round are as follows:
- October 21:
- Kairat (Kazakhstan) vs. Pafos (Cyprus)
- Barcelona (Spain) vs. Olympiakos (Greece)
- Newcastle United (England) vs. Benfica (Portugal)
- Royale Union Saint-Gilloise (Belgium) vs. Inter (Italy)
- Copenhagen (Denmark) vs. Borussia Dortmund (Germany)
- PSV (Netherlands) vs. Napoli (Italy)
- Villarreal (Spain) vs. Manchester City (England)
- Bayern Munich (Germany) vs. Paris Saint-Germain (France)
- Arsenal (England) vs. Atlético Madrid (Spain)
- October 22:
- Athletic Bilbao (Spain) vs. Qarabag FK (Azerbaijan)
- Galatasaray (Turkey) vs. Bodø/Glimt (Norway)
- Bayern Munich (Germany) vs. Club Brugge (Belgium)
- Real Madrid (Spain) vs. Juventus (Italy)
- Monaco (France) vs. Tottenham Hotspur (England)
- Sporting CP (Portugal) vs. Marseille (France)
- Eintracht Frankfurt (Germany) vs. Liverpool (England)
- Atalanta (Italy) vs. Slavia Prague (Czech Republic)
- Chelsea (England) vs. Ajax (Netherlands)
Dynamo Kyiv’s Participation
Notably, Dynamo Kyiv has not qualified for the main round of the UEFA Champions League this season. Instead, they will continue their journey in the UEFA Europa Conference League.
This year’s tournament is set to deliver thrilling matchups as clubs vie for a chance in the prestigious knockout stages, creating an exciting atmosphere for fans and teams alike.
