The UEFA Champions League for the 2024/25 season has introduced a revamped format, culminating in the recent knockout phase play-off draw held on Friday, January 31, 2025, at the House of European Football in Nyon, Switzerland. This draw sets the stage for the upcoming matches that will determine which teams advance to the Round of 16.
Understanding the New Format
Departing from the traditional group stage, this season adopted a league phase where all participating teams competed in a single league table. The top eight teams from this phase automatically secured their spots in the Round of 16. Teams placed from 9th to 24th entered the knockout phase play-offs to vie for the remaining eight positions in the Round of 16.
Knockout Phase Play-Off Draw Details
The draw determined the matchups for the knockout phase play-offs, with the first legs scheduled for February 11 and 12, and the second legs on February 18 and 19, 2025. The fixtures are as follows:
- February 11, 2025:
- Brest vs. Paris Saint-Germain (18:45 CET):
- Juventus vs. PSV Eindhoven:
- Manchester City vs. Real Madrid:
- Sporting CP vs. Borussia Dortmund:
- February 12, 2025:
- Club Brugge vs. Atalanta (18:45 CET):
- Monaco vs. Benfica:
- Celtic vs. Bayern München:
- Feyenoord vs. Milan:
The return legs will be hosted by the teams that played away in the first leg, with the same matchups occurring on February 18 and 19, 2025.
Notable Matchups and Historical Context
The draw has produced several intriguing fixtures:
- Manchester City vs. Real Madrid: A repeat of previous high-stakes encounters, this match promises to be a tactical battle between two of Europe’s elite clubs.
- Celtic vs. Bayern München: Celtic faces a formidable challenge against the German champions, recalling past European nights filled with passion and drama.
- Feyenoord vs. Milan: This fixture evokes memories of classic European clashes, with both teams eager to reestablish themselves on the continental stage.
Path to the Round of 16
The winners of these two-legged ties will join the eight teams that have already qualified for the Round of 16. The draw for the Round of 16 is scheduled for February 21, 2025, with matches to be played on March 4/5 and 11/12, 2025.
Looking Ahead
As the competition progresses, fans can anticipate a series of compelling matches featuring Europe’s top clubs. The new format has added an extra layer of excitement, with the knockout phase play-offs providing additional high-stakes encounters before the traditional Round of 16.
For detailed information on match schedules, venues, and ticketing, supporters are encouraged to visit the official UEFA Champions League website.
The 2024/25 UEFA Champions League season continues to captivate audiences worldwide, delivering thrilling football action as clubs vie for the coveted European title.