The 2025/26 UEFA Champions League third round is set to take place on October 21 and 22. This round continues the tournament’s innovative format, where 36 clubs will compete in a single slate of matches instead of the traditional group stage. Each team will play eight matches, with four at home and four away against different opponents. The top 24 teams by points will progress to the playoff stage.
Match Schedule for the Third Round
The matches scheduled for this round are as follows:
October 21 Matches
- 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 Matches
- 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)
This year, the tournament’s knockout phase is highly competitive, with every victory crucial in securing a playoff position. Notably, Dynamo Kyiv did not qualify for this main round and will compete instead in the UEFA Europa Conference League.
As the matches approach, fans are encouraged to follow the action closely and support their favorite teams in this exciting UEFA Champions League season.
