The Champions League playoffs are now defined, with the standout clash between Manchester City and Real Madrid. Teams will battle for a spot in the Round of 16, where they will face those who qualified directly.
Following the conclusion of the UEFA Champions League league phase, the 16 teams that will compete in the playoffs for a spot in the Round of 16 have been confirmed. This morning, during Central Mexico time, the official draw took place, setting up the matchups in a two-legged format to determine which eight teams will advance to face the eight clubs that secured direct qualification.
Exciting Matchups in the Playoffs
The highlight of this new Champions League format comes early, as two European giants will collide. Manchester City and Real Madrid—both Champions League winners and among the best teams in recent years—will face off in a thrilling tie. One will move on to play either Atlético Madrid or Bayer Leverkusen, while the other will be eliminated.
Paris Saint-Germain will take on a familiar opponent, Brest, in an all-French clash. The Parisian side appears to be the favorite, but Brest has already proven its ability to compete at this level, securing a draw against Leverkusen and a victory over PSV in the league phase. The winner of this matchup will face either Liverpool or Barcelona.
A highly competitive matchup awaits as Atalanta seeks to return to the Round of 16, but they must first overcome Club Brugge, another club eager to make it deep into the tournament. The winner of this tie will meet either LOSC Lille or Aston Villa in the next round.
Juventus and PSV will battle in what promises to be another exciting encounter between two historic clubs that are expected to be Champions League contenders. The victor will face either Arsenal or Inter Milan in the Round of 16.
Another closely contested fixture will be Monaco vs. Benfica. Both teams finished in the middle of the league phase standings but showed glimpses of competing for top positions, making this one of the most intriguing matchups. The winner will go on to play either Liverpool or Barcelona.
Borussia Dortmund will take on Sporting CP, aiming to replicate their deep run in last season’s tournament. However, Sporting will look to spring an upset and move on to face either LOSC Lille or Aston Villa.
One of the more lopsided matchups on paper is Bayern Munich vs. Celtic. The German powerhouse enters as the heavy favorite against the Scottish side, but football is full of surprises, and Celtic will try to defy the odds for a chance to face either Bayer Leverkusen or Atlético Madrid.
Lastly, Feyenoord will meet AC Milan in a tie that holds special significance for Mexican striker Santiago Giménez. Rumors suggest that Milan is interested in signing him, making this an intriguing duel. The winner will advance to face either Inter Milan or Arsenal.
The first-leg matches of these playoffs will be played on February 11 and 12, 2025, while the second-leg fixtures will take place on February 18 and 19, 2025.
