The 2026 UEFA Champions League Quarter-Final is reaching a dramatic fever pitch! With the quarter-final second legs just days away, European giants like Barcelona and Liverpool find themselves on the brink of a heartbreaking exit. Can the magic of Anfield and the intensity of the Metropolitano spark historic comebacks, or will the first-leg winners hold their ground?
From tactical masterclasses to injury scares, here is everything you need to know before the world’s biggest clubs fight for their survival on April 14 and 15.
Will we witness historic comebacks, or will the 2026 UEFA Champions League first-leg winners hold firm? Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League mouth-watering clashes.
2026 UEFA Champions League Quarter-Final Second Legs, Team News, Starting XI Lineup
Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid, and Paris Saint-Germain were successful earlier this week. Can they finish the task and advance?
The 2025–26 UEFA Champions League quarter-final second legs are set for Tuesday, 14 April, and Wednesday, 15 April 2026.
Dive into our comprehensive breakdown of aggregate scores, predicted XIs, and the high-stakes drama that is set to unfold across Europe’s most iconic stadiums.
Quarter-Final Ties & First Leg Results
Is this the week the giants fall? The road to the 2026 UEFA Champions League semi-finals has hit a chaotic turning point.
While Atlético Madrid and PSG hold commanding leads, the pressure is mounting on underdogs and favorites alike. Will we witness a tactical masterclass from Hansi Flick, or is Diego Simeone’s ‘Red Wall’ too strong to break?
| Teams | First Leg Result | Second Leg | Date & Time (CET) | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlético Madrid vs Barcelona | Atlético 2-0 Barcelona | Atlético vs Barcelona | 14 Apr, 21:00 | Metropolitano |
| Liverpool vs Paris Saint-Germain | PSG 2-0 Liverpool | Liverpool vs PSG | 14 Apr, 21:00 | Anfield |
| Arsenal vs Sporting CP | Sporting 0-1 Arsenal | Arsenal vs Sporting CP | 15 Apr, 21:00 | Emirates Stadium |
| Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid | Real Madrid 1-2 Bayern | Bayern vs Real Madrid | 15 Apr, 21:00 | Allianz Arena |
1. Atlético Madrid vs Barcelona (Agg: 2-0)
Atlético holds a commanding two-goal lead from the first leg at Camp Nou. Diego Simeone’s side were clinical, while Hansi Flick’s Barcelona struggled to create clear chances.
Key Talking Point: Barcelona must score at least twice at the Metropolitano without conceding. Historically, Atlético have eliminated Barcelona from the Champions League in the quarter-finals twice before (2014 & 2016). Julián Álvarez has been in red-hot form.
- Atlético Madrid: Manager Diego Simeone is expected to rotate his squad in their upcoming league match against Sevilla to keep key players fresh for the Barcelona decider.
Prediction: Atlético progress (low-scoring affair likely).
Atlético Madrid vs Barcelona Starting XIs – 2026 UEFA Champions League Quarter-Final Second Legs Preview
| Team | Predicted XI | Key Absences/Doubts |
|---|---|---|
| Atlético Madrid | GK: Oblak DEF: Molina, Le Normand, Hancko, Ruggeri MID: Giuliano, Koke, Baena, Lookman FW: Griezmann, Álvarez | Out: Pablo Barrios (thigh), Johnny Cardoso (muscle), Ilias Kostis (ACL) Doubtful: José Giménez (knock), Sørloth (head), Ruggeri (discomfort), Le Normand (discomfort) |
| Barcelona | GK: Joan García DEF: Koundé, Araújo, Christensen, Cancelo MID: De Jong, Pedri AM: Yamal, Olmo, Rashford FW: Lewandowski | Out: Raphinha (hamstring), Andreas Christensen (knee), Pau Cubarsí (red card) Doubtful: Marc Bernal (ankle) |
2. Liverpool vs Paris Saint-Germain (Agg: 0-2)
Arne Slot’s Liverpool face an uphill task after a disappointing 2-0 defeat in Paris. PSG were dominant and clinical.
Key Talking Point: Anfield’s legendary atmosphere could inspire a comeback. Liverpool needs to score early and keep a clean sheet. The return of key players (if fit) and Mohamed Salah’s big-game pedigree will be vital. PSG, however, has shown maturity this season.
Prediction: PSG advance, but expect goals at Anfield.
Liverpool vs PSG Starting XIs – 2026 UEFA Champions League Quarter-Final Second Legs Preview
| Team | Predicted XI | Key Absences/Doubts |
|---|---|---|
| Liverpool | GK: Kelleher; DEF: Alexander‑Arnold; Van Dijk; Konaté; Robertson; MID: Szoboszlai; Mac Allister; Elliott; AM: Salah; Nunez; Isak (bench) | Out: Alisson (injury); Endo (injury); Bradley (injury); Doubtful: Isak (fitness, bench option). |
| PSG | GK: Donnarumma; DEF: Hakimi; Marquinhos; Kimpembe; Nuno Mendes; MID: Vitinha; Verratti; AM: Neymar; Mbappé; Ousmane Dembélé; FW: Ekitike | Out/Doubt: Any late knocks or rotation expected after congested schedule; PSG is largely near full strength per previews. |
3. Arsenal vs Sporting CP (Agg: 1-0)
Arsenal take a slender 1-0 lead to the Emirates after Kai Havertz’s late winner in Lisbon. Sporting played well but couldn’t find the net.
Key Talking Point: Arsenal are strong at home in Europe this season. Sporting must chase the game, which could open spaces for Arsenal’s counter-attacks. Mikel Arteta will demand control and no complacency.
Prediction: Arsenal comfortably progress.
Arsenal vs Sporting CP Starting XIs – 2026 UEFA Champions League Quarter-Final Second Legs Preview
| Team | Predicted XI | Key Absences/Doubts |
|---|---|---|
| Arsenal | GK: David Raya DEF: Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, Riccardo Calafiori MID: Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice, Martin Ødegaard FW: Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres, Leandro Trossard | Out/Doubt: Bukayo Saka (Hamstring), Jurriën Timber, and Mikel Merino are OUT; Martin Ødegaard (Knee) |
| Sporting CP | GK: Rui Silva DEF: Ousmane Diomande, Gonçalo Inácio, Zeno Debast MID: Geny Catamo, Hidemasa Morita, Daniel Bragança, Ricardo Mangas FW: Francisco Trincão, Luis Suárez, Pedro Gonçalves | Out/Doubt: Morten Hjulmand (Suspended), Fotis Ioannidis (Knee), and Nuno Santos are OUT. |
4. Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid (Agg: 2-1)
Bayern Munich holds a narrow 2-1 advantage after a thrilling first leg at the Bernabéu. Harry Kane and Michael Olise starred for the Germans.
Key Talking Point: Real Madrid have a poor recent record in Munich and are winless in their last five UCL quarter-final away legs against German sides. However, Los Blancos’ experience in knockout ties is unmatched. Manuel Neuer’s heroics will be crucial for Bayern.
- Bayern Munich: Young talent Lennart Karl has been ruled out of the second leg against Real Madrid due to a hamstring injury.
- Real Madrid: They are reportedly interested in Bayern’s Michael Olise, who was a standout performer in the first leg, adding an extra layer of intrigue to their clash.
Prediction: Bayern edge through in a high-scoring thriller.
Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid Starting XIs – 2026 UEFA Champions League Quarter-Final Second Legs Preview
| Team | Predicted XI | Key Absences/Doubts |
|---|---|---|
| Bayern Munich | GK: Neuer DEF: Stanišić, Upamecano, Tah, Laimer MID: Kimmich, Pavlović AM: Olise, Gnabry, Luis Díaz FW: Harry Kane | Out/Doubt: Harry Kane (Ankle) Doubt: Sacha Boey and Sven Ulreich are OUT. |
| Real Madrid | GK: Lunin DEF: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Militão, Rüdiger, Fran García MID: Valverde, Camavinga, Bellingham FW: Mbappé, Vinícius Jr., Arda Güler | Out/Doubt: Tchouaméni (Suspended), Courtois (Thigh), Rodrygo (Hamstring) is OUT; No major doubts. |
How to Watch 2026 UEFA Champions League Quarter-Final
This round features two very difficult comebacks (Barcelona and Liverpool) and two more balanced ties. Atlético and PSG look favorites to advance, while Arsenal appears the most secure. The Bayern-Real Madrid tie remains the most unpredictable and exciting.
All matches will be broadcast on TNT Sports, beIN Sports, and available to stream on UEFA.tv and major platforms in your region.