By Rune Gjerulff@runegjerulff

Champions League knockout phase play-off draw: Dortmund and Leverkusen discover opponents

The draw for the Champions League knockout round play-offs took place on Friday afternoon.

Two German teams – Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen – were involved in the draw for the Champions League knockout phase play-offs on Friday.

Borussia Dortmund were drawn against Italian side A side Atalanta, while Bayer Leverkusen will face Greek outfit Olympiacos.

The first legs will be played on 17 and 18 February, and the second legs will take place on 24 and 25 February.

German champions Bayern Munich also progressed from the league stage, but will go straight into the round of 16 after finishing second.

See the full draw for the Champions League knockout phase play-offs below.

2025/26 Champions League knockout phase play-offs draw:

Borussia Dortmund vs. Atalanta

Olympiacos vs. Bayer Leverkusen

Monaco vs. Paris Saint-Germain

Benfica vs. Real Madrid

Qarabag vs. Newcastle United

Galatasaray vs. Juventus

Club Brugge vs. Atletico Madrid

Bodø/Glimt vs. Inter

Bundesliga news

Preview RB Leipzig & 1. FSV Mainz 05RB Leipzig vs. Mainz 05 preview: Die Roten Bullen looking to cement top-four hopes at home
VfB StuttgartEuropa League knockout phase play-off draw: Stuttgart's opponents revealed
Dortmund & LeverkusenChampions League knockout phase play-off draw: Dortmund and Leverkusen discover opponents
Transfer Eintracht FrankfurtAurelio Buta leaves Eintracht Frankfurt on permanent basis
FC BayernLeon Goretzka posts emotional statement to Bayern fans with summer exit confirmed
Preview FC Augsburg & FC St. PauliFC Augsburg vs. FC St. Pauli preview: Can the hosts keep their momentum high?
FC BayernFreund confirms Leon Goretzka will leave Bayern in the summer amid Atletico Madrid speculation
Rumor Werder BremenBremen approach Burnley to sign ex-HSV midfielder’s brother
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga: Scout squads for Matchday 20
Preview Bremen MönchengladbachWerder Bremen vs Borussia Mönchengladbach preview: Two teams trying to avoid a relegation battle
2. Bundesliga 2. Bundesliga2. Bundesliga Preview: Friday Konferenz
2. Bundesliga Union Berlin, 2. BundesligaFortuna Düsseldorf set to beat Schalke for Marin Ljubicic signing
Rumor VfL WolfsburgWolfsburg among several clubs considering a move for Jhon Durán

Table

Kickfieber

Match days

Fantasy Football BundesligaPredicted Bundesliga lineups: Starting XIs for Matchday 20
Post-match reaction TSG HoffenheimAlexander Prass reflects on "dream" first goal
Post-match reaction Werder BremenHorst Steffen: “We weren’t decisive enough”
Match report FC St. Pauli & RB Leipzig Raum slip allows St. Pauli to steal a point against RB Leipzig
Match report Werder Bremen, TSG HoffenheimTen-man Hoffenheim maintain perfect record with win over spineless Bremen
St. Pauli, RB LeipzigConfirmed Lineups: St. Pauli vs. RB Leipzig
Werder Bremen, TSG HoffenheimConfirmed Lineups: Werder Bremen vs. TSG Hoffenheim
Fantasy Football Champions LeagueChampions League Matchday 8 predicted lineups
Preview FC St. Pauli, RB LeipzigFC St. Pauli vs. RB Leipzig preview: Leipzig aim to reclaim third spot with maiden win at old nemesis
RB LeipzigLukeba remains out for Leipzig – Bitshiabu set for another start
Post-match reaction VfB Stuttgart"What are you all talking about?" – Deniz Undav hits out at critics after goal against Gladbach
Team of the week BundesligaBundesliga Team of the Week – Matchday 19
Post-match reaction Köln Lukas Kwasniok: “Hats off to Freiburg”
Post-match reaction Borussia MönchengladbachHaris Tabaković: ”I have to take responsibility”
Post-match reaction VfB StuttgartHoeneß and Undav praise Stuttgart’s team spirit
Match report SC Freiburg, 1. FC KölnMatanović on target again in Freiburg’s win over Köln
Match report Borussia Mönchengladbach, VfB StuttgartLeweling helps Stuttgart to another away victory in Gladbach
SC Freiburg, 1. FC KölnConfirmed Lineups: SC Freiburg vs. 1. FC Köln
Borussia Mönchengladbach, VfB StuttgartConfirmed Lineups: Borussia Mönchengladbach vs. VfB Stuttgart
Match report Eintracht Frankfurt & TSG HoffenheimFrankfurt undone as Hoffenheim score three in 13 minutes
Union Berlin & Borussia DortmundConfirmed lineups: Union Berlin vs. Borussia Dortmund
Match report Mainz 05 & VfL WolfsburgAmiri inspires Mainz turnaround after early Wolfsburg shocker
Match report Heidenheim & RB LeipzigLeipzig storm past Heidenheim after dominant display
Match report FC Bayern & FC AugsburgUltimate Bayern shock: Augsburg win the Bavarian derby in stunning fashion
Preview SC Freiburg & FC KölnSC Freiburg vs. FC Köln preview: European hopefuls host resurgent Billy Goats

Fantasy Football

Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga: Scout squads for Matchday 20
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga tips: 10 players to consider for Matchday 20
Fantasy Football BundesligaPredicted Bundesliga lineups: Starting XIs for Matchday 20
Fantasy Football Champions LeagueChampions League Matchday 8 predicted lineups
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga: Scout squads for Matchday 19
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga tips: 10 players to consider for Matchday 19
Fantasy Football BundesligaPredicted Bundesliga lineups: Starting XIs for Matchday 19
Fantasy Football Champions LeagueChampions League 2025/26 predicted lineups: Projected starting XIs for Matchday 7
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga: Scout squads for Matchday 18
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga tips: 10 players to consider for Matchday 18
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga tips: 10 players to consider for Matchday 17
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga: Scout squads for Matchday 17
Fantasy Football BundesligaPredicted Bundesliga lineups: Starting XIs for Matchday 17
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga: Scout squads for Matchday 16
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga tips: 10 players to consider for Matchday 16
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga: Scout squads for Matchday 15
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga tips: 10 players to consider for Matchday 15
Fantasy Football BundesligaPredicted Bundesliga lineups: Matchday 15
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga: Scout squads for Matchday 14
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga tips: 10 players to consider for Matchday 14
Fantasy Football Champions LeagueChampions League 2025/26 predicted lineups: Projected starting XIs for Matchday 6
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga: Scout squads for Matchday 13
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga tips: 10 players to consider for Matchday 13
Fantasy Football BundesligaPredicted Bundesliga lineups: Matchday 13
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga: Scout squads for Matchday 12

German Teams in Europe

VfB StuttgartEuropa League knockout phase play-off draw: Stuttgart's opponents revealed
Dortmund & LeverkusenChampions League knockout phase play-off draw: Dortmund and Leverkusen discover opponents
Post-match reaction SC FreiburgNoah Atubolu: “We can be proud”
Post-match reaction SC FreiburgJulian Schuster: "It's a great success for us”
Post-match reaction VfB StuttgartDemirovic carries "mixed feelings" after late Stuttgart win
Match report SC FreiburgFreiburg seal Europa League Round of 16 spot despite maiden defeat
Match report VfB StuttgartStuttgart condemned to play-offs despite home win
SC FreiburgConfirmed lineups: LOSC Lille vs. SC Freiburg
VfB StuttgartConfirmed lineups: VfB Stuttgart vs. Young Boys
Post-match reaction FC Bayern MunichKompany praises Bayern reaction, Urbig development and addresses Goretzka situation after PSV win
Post-match reaction FC Bayern Munich“My mom has already sent me thousands of WhatsApp messages” – Musiala shines on long-awaited starting eleven comeback
Post-match reaction FC Bayern MunichKane and Urbig hail Bayern mentality after late win in Eindhoven
Post-match reaction Borussia DortmundCan and Schlotterbeck reflect on "bitter" loss to Inter
Match report Borussia DortmundInter Milan strike late to defeat Dortmund
Match report Bayer LeverkusenTillman shines as Leverkusen secure Champions League play-offs spot
Match report FC BayernMusiala scores in first start of the season as Bayern power past PSV
Match report Eintracht FrankfurtKolo Muani strikes against former club as Spurs edge Eintracht Frankfurt
Borussia DortmundConfirmed lineups: Borussia Dortmund vs. Inter Milan
Eintracht FrankfurtConfirmed lineups: Eintracht Frankfurt vs. Tottenham
FC Bayern MunichConfirmed lineups: PSV vs. FC Bayern Munich
Bayer LeverkusenConfirmed Lineups: Bayer 04 Leverkusen vs. Villarreal CF
Preview SC FreiburgLOSC Lille vs. SC Freiburg Europa League preview: Team news and predicted lineups
Preview VfB StuttgartVfB Stuttgart vs. Young Boys Europa League preview: Team news and predicted lineups
Borussia DortmundDortmund defender set to miss Inter clash
Bayern MunichKompany tight-lipped on potential rotation against PSV Eindhoven

DFB-Pokal

Union Berlin & FC Bayern Union Berlin 2–3 Bayern Munich – DFB-Pokal Highlights
Dortmund & LeverkusenBorussia Dortmund 0-1 Bayer Leverkusen – DFB-Pokal Highlights
Post-match reaction VfL Bochum & VfB StuttgartHoeneß, Undav and Rösler react to cup tie
Match report VfL Bochum & VfB StuttgartPokal holders Stuttgart book quarter-final spot with professional performance
Match report SC Freiburg & SV DarmstadtDarmstadt fail to land a punch as Freiburg book Pokal passage
VfL Bochum & VfB StuttgartConfirmed lineups: VfL Bochum vs. VfB Stuttgart
Freiburg & DarmstadtConfirmed lineups: SC Freiburg vs. SV Darmstadt
Post-match reaction Borussia DortmundSchlotterbeck admits Dortmund "lacked a bit of punch" against Leverkusen
RB Leipzig & 1.FC MagdeburgLeipzig offer condolences to Magdeburg fan who tragically passed away during Pokal fixture
Post-match reaction RB LeipzigWerner critical of "unaggressive" first-half display despite Leipzig's last-16 triumph
Post-match reaction Borussia MonchengladbachNicolas and Polanski "very disappointed" by Gladbach's Pokal exit
Match report Borussia Dortmund & Bayer LeverkusenMaza strike ensures Leverkusen dump Dortmund out of DFB-Pokal
Match report RB Leipzig, MagdeburgBaumgartner's brace books quarter-final spot for Leipzig
RB Leipzig & 1.FC MagdeburgConfirmed lineups: RB Leipzig vs. 1.FC Magdeburg
Borussia Dortmund & Bayer LeverkusenConfirmed lineups: Borussia Dortmund vs. Bayer Leverkusen
Match report Borussia Monchengladbach & St.PauliOppie's late strike guides St.Pauli past Gladbach in last-16 encounter
Match report Hertha BSC & 1.FC KaiserslauternSix-goal Hertha BSC crush Kaiserslautern to reach Pokal quarter finals
Preview SC Freiburg & SV Darmstadt 98Freiburg vs. Darmstadt DFB-Pokal preview: Team news and predicted lineups
Borussia Monchengladbach & St.PauliConfirmed lineups: Borussia Mönchengladbach vs. St. Pauli
Hertha BSC & 1.FC KaiserslauternConfirmed lineups: Hertha BSC vs. 1.FC Kaiserslautern
Preview Hamburger SV & Holstein KielHamburger SV vs. Holstein Kiel DFB-Pokal preview: Team news and predicted lineups
Preview UNION BERLIN & BAYERN MUNICHUnion Berlin vs. Bayern Munich DFB-Pokal preview: Team news and predicted lineups
Preview VfL Bochum & VfB StuttgartVfL Bochum vs. VfB Stuttgart DFB-Pokal preview: Team news and predicted lineups
RB LeipzigWatch: RB Leipzig coach Ole Werner reveals new injury concerns ahead of Magdeburg clash
Borussia DortmundWatch: Kovac says Dortmund need "the right balance" to beat Leverkusen again

German National Team

German National TeamPaul Wanner denies Austria switch ahead of Champions League clash with Bayern
Rumor German national teamFormer Bayern prodigy Paul Wanner opts to represent Austria over Germany
Rumor German national teamTer Stegen could boost World Cup hopes with January transfer to Girona
1. FC KölnGermany and Köln legend believes Said El Mala could "become a truly special player"
Transfer GermanyFüllkrug completes AC Milan medical ahead of loan move
Germany & FC BayernKarl backed for Germany World Cup squad by his agent Michael Ballack
FC Bayern"Why should he need time?" – Franck Ribery on Lennart Karl's World Cup chances
German national team"Not a super easy group, but a manageable one" – Nagelsmann reflects on Germany's World Cup draw
GermanyWho are Germany’s World Cup 2026 opponents?
Germany2026 World Cup Draw: Germany grouped with Curaçao, Côte d'Ivoire and Ecuador
German national teamGermany to face United States ahead of 2026 World Cup
Match report Germany WUEFA Women's Nations League Final: Spain 3-0 Germany
Germany WConfirmed UEFA Women’s Nations League Final Lineups: Spain vs. Germany
Preview Germany WUEFA Women’s Nations League Final Preview: Spain vs. Germany
Match report Germany WUEFA Women's Nations League Final First-Leg: Germany 0-0 Spain
Germany WConfirmed UEFA Women's Nations League Lineups: Germany vs. Spain
Predicted lineups Germany WomenUEFA Women's Nations League final preview: Germany vs. Spain
FC BayernBayern boss backs Neuer return to German national team for World Cup
German National TeamEddie Howe praises Woltemade's form with Germany: “Confidence is absolutely essential for a center forward"
German National TeamGermany climb one spot into ninth place in FIFA world rankings
Match report Germany U21Karl on target as Germany U21 end the year with victory in Georgia
Germany WGermany announce squad for UEFA Women’s Nations League final
Germany U21Confirmed Lineups: Georgia U21 vs. Germany U21
Post-match reaction German national team"Kai had a minor relapse" – Nagelsmann gives injury update on Havertz and Musiala
Post-match reaction Germany & FC BayernAleksandar Pavlovic gives injury update after half-time substitute against Slovakia

Long reads

Editor's pick RB LeipzigINTERVIEW: David Wagner outlines two key missions as RB Leipzig academy manager
Analysis/Commentary BremenSamuel Mbangula steps up for Werder Bremen
Editor's pick RB LeipzigINTERVIEW: Jürgen Klopp explains what he really does as Red Bull's Head of Global Soccer
Editor's pick RB Leipzig"Everybody said 'go, go, go!'" – Marcel Schäfer reveals how RB Leipzig won the race for Yan Diomande
Editor's pick RB LeipzigEXCLUSIVE: Conrad Harder opens up on competition at RB Leipzig, Bayern clash and World Cup ambitions
Analysis/Commentary BundesligaBundesliga team of the season so far
Editor's pick FC Bayern & RB LeipzigThe unique way FC Bayern and RB Leipzig are scouting the next big U.S. talent
Analysis/Commentary Borussia DortmundTensions at Dortmund increase among players and leadership
Analysis/Commentary 1. FSV Mainz 05 Searching for stability: Mainz’s new chapter under Urs Fischer
Analysis/Commentary Bremen SteffenWerder Bremen: Horst Steffen needs to change
Analysis/Commentary Borussia DortmundSerhou Guirassy’s uncertain future: Should Dortmund offload their star striker?
Analysis/Commentary FC AugsburgFC Augsburg: Awakening meets mounting pressure - Where things stand after 10 games
Analysis/Commentary FC BayernFC Bayern: The Unbeatables - Where things stand after 10 games
Analysis/Commentary 1.FC Köln1.FC Köln: Where things stand for Effzeh at the break
Analysis/Commentary 1. FSV Mainz 05 1. FSV Mainz 05: In dire need of a spark
Analysis/Commentary Werder BremenAre Werder Bremen doing well?
Analysis/Commentary Borussia MonchengladbachBorussia Mönchengladbach: Where things stand for the Foals at the break
Analysis/Commentary Borussia DortmundBorussia Dortmund: Where things stand for BVB at the break
Analysis/Commentary Borussia DortmundBorussia Dortmund player ratings vs FC Copenhagen
Analysis/Commentary BonifaceWhy Werder Bremen must give Victor Boniface a chance
Editor's pick FC BayernBayern's strategy to keep Harry Kane beyond the summer revealed
Analysis/Commentary Werder BremenWhy Werder Bremen's season really starts this weekend
Analysis/Commentary VfB StuttgartStuttgart's response shows Hoeneß still has players' trust - but consistency is the real test
Analysis/Commentary Mainz 05 Life after Burkardt: Can Mainz’s new-look attack fill the void?
Analysis/Commentary Werder BremenWerder Bremen's summer signings deliver

Exclusive interviews

Exclusive interview Bundesliga"It's clear we need to change something" – How Jürgen Klopp recently hinted at plans for German U21 league
Editor's pick RB LeipzigINTERVIEW: David Wagner outlines two key missions as RB Leipzig academy manager
Exclusive interview RB LeipzigMarcel Schäfer interview: How "god-given talent" Jürgen Klopp is helping RB Leipzig close deals for new players
Exclusive interview RB LeipzigDavid Raum on Rômulo vs. Šeško: How RB Leipzig’s new striker has changed their game
Editor's pick RB LeipzigINTERVIEW: Jürgen Klopp explains what he really does as Red Bull's Head of Global Soccer
Exclusive interview RB LeipzigINTERVIEW: Jürgen Klopp discusses potential return to coaching amid Real Madrid links
Exclusive interview RB LeipzigRômulo laments Leipzig’s inefficiency in front of goal after Bayern defeat
Exclusive interview RB LeipzigGulacsi on Leipzig's 1-5 defeat to Bayern: "The game was a lot more equal than the result shows"
Editor's pick RB Leipzig"Everybody said 'go, go, go!'" – Marcel Schäfer reveals how RB Leipzig won the race for Yan Diomande
Exclusive interview RB LeipzigDavid Raum in "no hurry" to extend Leipzig contract, reveals thoughts of future MLS move
Editor's pick RB LeipzigEXCLUSIVE: Conrad Harder opens up on competition at RB Leipzig, Bayern clash and World Cup ambitions
Exclusive interview RB LeipzigOrban reflects on match-winning strike and Leipzig's performance in win over Freiburg
Editor's pick FC Bayern & RB LeipzigThe unique way FC Bayern and RB Leipzig are scouting the next big U.S. talent
Exclusive interview Borussia DortmundDortmund boss Kehl praises Jobe Bellingham for bouncing back after Bayern error
Exclusive interview Bayer 04 LeverkusenRolfes critical of Leverkusen’s first-half display in Copenhagen draw
Exclusive interview Bayer 04 LeverkusenTapsoba "happy" with one point in Copenhagen after early setback: “Everybody was sleeping”
Exclusive interview VfL WolfsburgEXCLUSIVE: Mads Roerslev opens up on injury struggles, Wolfsburg loan so far, future and more
Interview BundesligaEXCLUSIVE: Michael Owen talks Kane, Musiala, Sancho and looks back on famous hat-trick against Germany
Editor's pick Bundesliga & DFBEXCLUSIVE: Dietmar Hamann on the Bundesliga title fight, Der Klassiker and Nagelsmann's start as Germany coach
Editor's pick MainzEXCLUSIVE: Danny da Costa rules out future coaching job
Interview Bayer LeverkusenEXCLUSIVE: Edmond Tapsoba on England links, his role models and Leverkusen's struggles this season
Interview Bundesliga InterviewEXCLUSIVE: From infancy to Eisernen - An Interview with Union Berlin’s rising star Laurenz Dehl
Editor's pick LeverkusenSimon Rolfes interview – part two: Leverkusen boss points out "problem" with German youth development
Editor's pick LeverkusenFernando Carro interview: Bayer Leverkusen CEO says Bundesliga rights are “sold under value”, questions 50+1 rule
Editor's pick Bayer 04 LeverkusenSimon Rolfes interview: Leverkusen boss on global scouting, Frimpong’s “fantastic” rise and more

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