The 2024/25 UEFA Champions League is unlike any previous edition, bringing a revolutionary format that has reshaped the competition.
With the league phase now complete, football fans eagerly await the highly anticipated Champions League knockout play-off draw. This exciting phase determines which teams will advance to the Round of 16 and continue their pursuit of European glory.
In this comprehensive guide, we break down the key details of the Champions League knockout play-off draw, including the schedule, format, and teams involved. Stay ahead of the game with everything you need to know about this crucial stage of Europe’s premier club competition.
Champions League Knockout Play-Off Draw: Key Details
When and Where is the Draw?
The Champions League knockout play-off draw is set to take place on Friday, January 31, at 11:00 GMT at the House of European Football in Nyon, Switzerland. Football enthusiasts worldwide will be tuning in to see which teams will battle it out in this high-stakes round.
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How Does the Draw Work?
For the first time in history, the Champions League knockout phase has been restructured, and the draw will follow a seeded format:
- The teams that finished between 9th and 16th place in the league phase will be seeded.
- The teams that finished between 17th and 24th place will be unseeded.
- Seeded teams will be drawn against unseeded teams, ensuring balanced matchups.
- Clubs cannot be drawn against teams from their own league.
- The higher-ranked team will play the second leg at home.
This knockout play-off round will determine which eight teams progress to the Champions League Round of 16, where they will face the top eight teams that automatically qualified.
Which Teams Are Involved?
A total of 16 teams will feature in the knockout play-off round. These are the clubs that finished between 9th and 24th in the Champions League league phase standings. Here’s a full list of the teams battling for a place in the last 16:
Seeded Teams (9th – 16th place)
- Atalanta (9th)
- Borussia Dortmund (10th)
- Real Madrid (11th)
- Bayern Munich (12th)
- AC Milan (13th)
- PSV Eindhoven (14th)
- Paris Saint-Germain (15th)
- Benfica (16th)
Unseeded Teams (17th – 24th place)
- Monaco (17th)
- Brest (18th)
- Feyenoord (19th)
- Juventus (20th)
- Celtic (21st)
- Manchester City (22nd)
- Sporting CP (23rd)
- Club Brugge (24th)
Why Are Liverpool, Arsenal, and Barcelona Not in the Draw?
While some of Europe’s biggest clubs like Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and PSG must battle in the play-off round, teams like Liverpool, Arsenal, and Barcelona have already secured their place in the Round of 16. These clubs finished inside the top eight in the league phase and earned automatic qualification, avoiding the knockout play-offs altogether.
When Will the Knockout Play-Off Matches Be Played?
The Champions League knockout play-off ties will be played over two legs:
- First legs: February 11/12
- Second legs: February 18/19
Each team will play one leg at home and one away, ensuring a fair test of their abilities before determining who advances to the last 16.
What’s Next After the Knockout Play-Offs?
Once the eight winners from the play-off round are confirmed, they will progress to the Round of 16, where they will be drawn against one of the eight teams that topped the league phase. The draw for the Round of 16 is scheduled for Friday, February 21.
This new format has significantly altered the Champions League knockout stage, making it more competitive and unpredictable than ever. Here’s why this system has fans excited:
- More Matches, More Drama: The introduction of a Swiss-style league phase and play-off round means teams now play more matches before reaching the final rounds.
- Bigger Clashes Earlier: With giants like Real Madrid and Bayern Munich in the play-offs, fans are treated to high-profile clashes much earlier in the tournament.
- No More Europa League Dropouts: In previous seasons, third-placed group stage teams dropped into the Europa League. That’s no longer the case—teams that finish outside the top 24 are completely eliminated.
Final Thoughts
The 2024/25 Champions League knockout play-off draw is set to deliver some of the most intense and high-stakes football we’ve seen in years. With top clubs battling for survival, every match will be a must-watch.
Football fans should mark January 31 on their calendars and prepare for an epic draw that will shape the road to the Champions League final. With major clubs like Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City fighting for a place in the last 16, expect fireworks in this historic competition!
Stay tuned for more updates and in-depth analysis as the Champions League knockout phase unfolds!
