The Champions League returns this week and some of Europe's biggest names will be back in action earlier than they would have hoped. Reigning European champions Paris St-Germain are among those returning, so too Inter Milan, the team they beat in the 2025 final. Fifteen-time European winners Real Madrid also finished outside the top eight, as did other previous champions in Juventus, Borussia Dortmund and Benfica. That came in a 4-2 victory against Real Madrid, and Alvaro Arbeloa's team have an instant chance for revenge as the two sides meet each other in the play-offs. That means the only English representation in the Champions League over the next two weeks will be Newcastle United, who will fancy their chances of defeating Azerbaijani club Qarabag, a side thrashed 6-0 by Liverpool in January.

Source: BBC February 17, 2026 07:23 UTC