The UEFA Champions League is finally back on our TV screens for the first time since early December as the first legs of the Last 16 ties are set to take place over the next two weeks.
Manchester City and Liverpool are in action on February 15-16, before Chelsea and Manchester United have their turns on February 22-23.
Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola’s sides then play their second legs on March 8-9, before Ralf Rangnick and Thomas Tuchel compete in their reverse fixtures the following week on March 15-16.
But then comes the rest of the tournament after that, while there is also an important rule change to this season’s knockout stages.
Here are all the key dates and information you need to know ahead of the remainder of the Champions League for the 2021/22 season.
Who is your favourite to win the Champions League this season? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.
![](https://i2-prod.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article25682663.ece/ALTERNATES/s810/1_GettyImages-1234396245.jpg)
Away goals rule
The usual away goals rule will not be in place for the knockout stages of the 2021/22 Champions League.
This means that, should the scores be level after both legs, then extra-time and penalties will take place in order to determine the winner who will advance to the next round, no matter who has scored the most away goals.
Cup tied players
UEFA has also changed the rule on the usage of cup tied players for this season’s knockout stages.
Normally, if a player has already featured in European competition for another club, they then can’t participate in other European fixtures for their new club within the same season.
However, that rule has been scrapped this year and as long as a player has moved to their new club before the knockout stages begin, they will be made available for selection.
![](https://i2-prod.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article26072682.ece/ALTERNATES/s810/0_FC-Porto-v-Liverpool-FC-Group-B-UEFA-Champions-League.jpg)
Substitutions
Clubs can now name up to 12 players on their substitutes bench for Champions League knockout matches.
Managers will also be able to use a maximum of five substitutions within the 90 minutes of the game, as long as the changes are made in no more than three separate intervals of play.
Should a second-leg go to extra-time, then a sixth substitution is allowed to be made.
![](https://i2-prod.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/article24986654.ece/ALTERNATES/s810/0_GettyImages-1235255847.jpg)
Upcoming Last 16 ties
First legs
Tuesday 15 February
Sporting CP vs Manchester City
Paris vs Real Madrid
Wednesday 16 February
Salzburg vs Bayern
Inter vs Liverpool
Tuesday 22 February
Chelsea vs LOSC Lille
Villarreal vs Juventus
Wednesday 23 February
Benfica vs Ajax
Atlético vs Manchester United
Second legs
Tuesday 8 March
Bayern vs Salzburg
Liverpool vs Inter
Wednesday 9 March
Manchester City vs Sporting CP
Real Madrid vs Paris
Tuesday 15 March
Ajax vs Benfica
Manchester United vs Atlético
Wednesday 16 March
LOSC Lille vs Chelsea
Juventus vs Villarreal
Key dates
18 March: Quarter-final & Semi-final draw
5/6 April: Quarter-finals, first legs
12/13 April: Quarter-finals, second legs
26/27 April: Semi-finals, first legs
3/4 May: Semi-finals, second legs
28 May: Final – Gazprom Arena, Saint Petersburg