The highly anticipated UEFA Champions League knockout phase play-off draw for the 2024/25 season has set the stage for thrilling encounters. Following Friday’s inaugural draw, eight intense matchups have been confirmed, featuring some of Europe’s biggest clubs battling for a place in the Round of 16.
Champions League Knockout Phase Play-Off Fixtures
The draw has produced several high-profile clashes, with reigning champions Manchester City facing a formidable test against Real Madrid. Bayern Munich, another European powerhouse, will visit Celtic in what promises to be an electrifying contest. Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain and Monaco have been handed all-French ties, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the draw.
Complete List of Fixtures:
- Brest vs Paris Saint-Germain
- Monaco vs Benfica
- Juventus vs PSV Eindhoven
- Feyenoord vs Milan
- Manchester City vs Real Madrid
- Celtic vs Bayern Munich
- Club Brugge vs Atalanta
- Sporting CP vs Borussia Dortmund
With such high-stakes encounters, football fans can expect thrilling battles as clubs fight to keep their Champions League dreams alive.
Key Champions League Knockout Phase Dates
The knockout phase will unfold over several months, leading up to the grand finale in May. The play-off ties are set to take place in February, followed by the Round of 16, quarter-finals, and semi-finals before the ultimate showdown for European supremacy.
Important Match Dates:
- Knockout Phase Play-Offs: February 11/12 & 18/19, 2025
- Round of 16, Quarter-Final, Semi-Final Draw: February 21, 2025
- Round of 16: March 4/5 & 11/12, 2025
- Quarter-Finals: April 8/9 & 15/16, 2025
- Semi-Finals: April 29/30 & May 6/7, 2025
- Final: May 31, 2025
The upcoming months promise to deliver some of the most exhilarating football action of the season, as clubs fight for a place in the Munich final.
Which Teams Have Already Qualified for the Round of 16?
Eight teams secured direct qualification for the Round of 16 after finishing in the top spots of the league phase. These clubs avoided the play-off round and now await their opponents in the next stage of the competition.
Teams Through to the Round of 16:
- Arsenal
- Aston Villa
- Atletico Madrid
- Barcelona
- Inter Milan
- Bayer Leverkusen
- LOSC Lille
- Liverpool
These teams will closely watch the play-off results, as they could face any of the winners in the next round.
How Did the Draw Work?
The draw followed a structured process to ensure fairness while maintaining the integrity of the competition. Eight bowls were prepared, with balls containing the names of seeded and unseeded teams. The rankings from the league phase determined their placement in the bracket.
The process began by assigning each unseeded team to a pre-determined position in the knockout bracket. The first team drawn was placed on the silver side of the bracket, while the second team occupied the corresponding blue side. This process continued until all unseeded teams were allocated their positions.
The draw then proceeded with the seeded teams, starting with those ranked 15/16 and finishing with those ranked 9/10. As a general rule, seeded teams play the return leg at home, giving them a potential advantage in their quest to progress further in the tournament.
Where Will the 2025 Champions League Final Be Held?
The 2024/25 UEFA Champions League final is set to take place at the Munich Football Arena on Saturday, May 31, 2025. This historic venue will host Europe’s biggest club football match, where the two best teams will battle for the prestigious trophy.
As the tournament progresses, the road to Munich will only get tougher, with every match carrying immense stakes. With footballing giants clashing and underdogs eager to make history, the Champions League promises another unforgettable season filled with drama, passion, and breathtaking moments.
