The 2026-27 UEFA Champions League quarter-final first legs are played on Tuesday 6 April and Wednesday 7 April 2027. Eight clubs remain in Europe’s premier club competition, contesting four two-legged ties for places in the semi-finals and a chance to reach the final in Budapest.
What are the Champions League Quarter-finals?
The Champions League quarter-finals are the third knockout round of UEFA’s premier club competition, contested by the eight teams that survived the league phase, the knockout phase play-offs and the round of 16. Each tie is played over two legs, with one match at each club’s home ground, and away goals no longer count as a tiebreaker. The aggregate winner advances to the semi-finals.
The tournament’s revised format was introduced for the 2024-25 season, replacing the old group stage with a 36-team league phase. The top eight teams in the league phase advance directly to the round of 16, while teams ranked 9 to 24 contest a knockout phase play-off round in February. The round of 16 is then drawn before the bracket runs through to the final.
When are the Champions League Quarter-final First Legs?
The 2026-27 quarter-final first legs are played on Tuesday 6 April and Wednesday 7 April 2027, with two ties on each evening. Kick-off times are 6:45pm and 9:00pm Central European Time. The second legs follow a week later on 13 and 14 April 2027. The semi-finals are scheduled for 27/28 April and 4/5 May 2027, with the final on Saturday 29 May 2027 in Budapest.
Where are the Quarter-finals played?
Each tie is played as one home leg for each of the two clubs. Possible host stadiums include some of European football’s most famous grounds: the Santiago Bernabeu, Camp Nou, Allianz Arena, Anfield, Etihad Stadium, Old Trafford, Parc des Princes, San Siro, Estadio do Dragao and others. Specific venues are determined by the quarter-final draw conducted by UEFA in late February or early March 2027.
Key Contenders
The eight teams in the quarter-finals are determined by results in the round of 16. The Champions League knockout phase has historically been dominated by Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Manchester City, Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona and Inter Milan. Real Madrid has won the competition more times than any other club, with 15 titles, including five in the past decade.
The defending champions are Paris Saint-Germain, who won their first Champions League title in 2025, beating Inter Milan 5-0 in the Munich final. Whoever lifts the 2025-26 trophy will return as defending champions in 2026-27. England, Spain, Germany, Italy and France typically supply the majority of quarter-finalists each season.
How to Watch
In the United Kingdom and Ireland, TNT Sports holds exclusive Champions League broadcast rights, with every match available on TNT Sports channels and the discovery+ streaming app. In the United States, Paramount+ and CBS Sports stream and broadcast every match. In Canada, DAZN holds the rights. In Australia, Stan Sport carries every game. In Spain, Movistar Plus+ broadcasts the competition; in Germany, DAZN and Amazon Prime Video share rights; in France, Canal+ holds the package.
History and Records
The Champions League replaced the European Cup in 1992, although the competition history is recognised continuously from 1955. Real Madrid has won the trophy a record 15 times, followed by AC Milan with seven and Bayern Munich and Liverpool with six each. Cristiano Ronaldo holds the record for most goals scored in the competition, while Lionel Messi is second.
The greatest comebacks in quarter-final history include Barcelona’s 6-1 win over Paris Saint-Germain in 2017 after losing the first leg 4-0, and Liverpool’s 4-0 victory over Barcelona in the 2019 semi-final after losing the first leg 3-0.
Tickets and Attendance
Tickets for individual quarter-final matches are sold by the home clubs via their official websites. Demand vastly exceeds supply, with most matches selling out within hours of release to season-ticket holders and members. Resale through official partners is available in some leagues. UEFA does not sell tickets directly for knockout matches before the final.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do the Champions League quarter-final first legs start?
Tuesday 6 April and Wednesday 7 April 2027, with kick-offs at 6:45pm and 9:00pm CET.
Where are the quarter-finals played?
At each club’s home stadium across two legs, with venues confirmed after the quarter-final draw.
How can I watch the Champions League quarter-finals?
TNT Sports in the UK and Ireland, Paramount+ and CBS in the US, DAZN in Canada, Stan Sport in Australia.
Who won the last Champions League?
Paris Saint-Germain won their first Champions League in 2025, beating Inter Milan 5-0 in the final in Munich.