The draw for the knockout playoff round of the revamped UEFA Champions League is just around the corner! 📅 Here's a closer look at when it takes place, who's involved, and how the exciting new format will shape the upcoming matches.

When is the Draw?

Mark your calendars! The draw will happen on Friday, January 31, 2025, at 6 a.m. ET / 11 a.m. UK time, hosted at the House of European Football in Nyon, Switzerland.

Which Teams are Taking Part?

Only 16 teams, those finishing in positions 9 to 24, will be engaged in this draw, as the top 8 automatically progress to the Round of 16. Clubs ranked from 25th to 36th will sadly see their European journey come to an end.

The Importance of League Positions

Understanding the league phase positions is crucial due to the implications on the knockout bracket. Unlike previous tournaments characterized by open draws, this season employs a seeding system where the highest-placed teams will not face each other until later stages.

For example, consider the current standings:

• Liverpool and Barcelona are at the top, meaning they wouldn’t meet until the final.
• Arsenal and Internazionale, currently ranked third and fourth, won’t face off against the top teams until the semifinals.

Challenges in the Knockout Stage

However, high league placements can be complex. Teams like Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain are at risk of facing tough opponents earlier than expected, which adds an extra layer of unpredictability to the knockout rounds.

Match Pairings and Draw Mechanics

So, how does the knockout draw work? Teams are paired based on their finishing positions.

• For instance, if we take Bayern Munich (15th) vs. Real Madrid (16th), these teams will split into opposite halves of the knockout bracket. Each paired team can draw an opponent from the next available ranks (e.g., Juventus or Celtic).

The unseeded teams get drawn first, followed by the seeded teams. This process will determine thrilling matchups, ensuring that clubs from the same league can clash as early as the playoffs.

Upcoming Match Dates

The first legs of the knockout playoffs are set for February 11-12, 2025, with second legs on February 18-19, 2025. Each club will have the chance to host a match, with top-eight teams playing their second leg at home—a crucial advantage in knockout football.

Looking Ahead to the Round of 16

After the playoff round concludes, a subsequent draw on February 21 will determine matchups for the Round of 16, pitting teams against the winners from the playoffs. The stakes are high as we approach the classic battles awaited by football fans worldwide! ⚽️

In conclusion, the draw holds significant influence over each club’s potential journey toward the prestigious Champions League title. Stay tuned for updates on one of the most exciting periods in European football!