Champions League Knockout Playoff Draw: Everything You Need to Know

The UEFA Champions League knockout playoff draw is set, and teams are gearing up for a crucial stage in the competition. This round will determine who advances to the Round of 16.

When is the Champions League Draw?

The draw will take place on Friday, January 31, at 12 p.m. Nigeria time (6 a.m. ET) at the House of European Football in Nyon, Switzerland.

Which Teams Are Involved?

Only the teams that finished 9th to 24th in the league phase will take part in this draw.

• Top 8 teams have already qualified for the Round of 16.
• Teams placed 25th to 36th have been eliminated.

How Does the Draw Work?

• Teams will be paired based on their final league phase positions.
• Higher-ranked teams (9th-16th) will face lower-ranked teams (17th-24th).
• Higher-ranked teams will play the second leg at home.
• There is no country protection—clubs from the same country can face each other.

For example:

• Manchester City (22nd) might play Real Madrid (11th) or Bayern Munich (12th).
• Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) could face Barcelona or Liverpool if they advance.

When Are the Knockout Playoff Matches?

• First legs: February 11-12, 2025
• Second legs: February 18-19, 2025

What About the Top Eight Teams?

The top eight teams will enter the Round of 16 and could face winners from the playoff round.
For example, Liverpool and Barcelona might play PSG, Benfica, Monaco, or Brest.

When is the Round of 16 Draw?

• Date: Friday, February 21, 2025
• First legs: March 4-5, 2025
• Second legs: March 11-12, 2025

Once the draw is complete, the knockout bracket will be set all the way to the final.