The UEFA Champions League knockout phase play-offs have wrapped up, setting the stage for an action-packed Round of 16. With a revamped format, this season has already delivered some high-stakes drama and surprising outcomes, leaving fans eager for the next round of matchups.
Knockout Phase Play-Offs Recap
The play-offs saw some of Europe’s biggest clubs battle it out for a spot in the Round of 16. Here’s a look at the standout results:
Real Madrid vs. Manchester City – A blockbuster tie saw Real Madrid knock out the defending champions with a 3-1 victory in the second leg, powered by a sensational hat-trick from Kylian Mbappé. This marks Manchester City’s earliest exit under Pep Guardiola.
Bayern Munich vs. Celtic – Bayern faced a determined Celtic side, drawing 1-1 in the second leg. A late goal from Alphonso Davies ensured Bayern’s progression, showcasing the resilience of both teams.
Feyenoord vs. AC Milan – Feyenoord pulled off a major upset, eliminating AC Milan with a 1-0 first-leg win and a 1-1 draw in the return fixture. This is Feyenoord’s first advancement to the knockout stage since 1975.
Benfica vs. AS Monaco – A thrilling encounter saw Benfica edge past Monaco with a 1-0 first-leg win and a 3-3 draw in the second, securing their place in the Round of 16.
Round of 16 Draw Details
Fans won’t have to wait long to see what’s next. The draw for the Round of 16 will take place on Friday, February 21, 2025, at 12:00 CET (6:00 AM ET) in Nyon, Switzerland. The top eight teams from the league phase are seeded and will face the eight winners from the play-offs, setting up potentially mouth-watering clashes.
Seeded Teams (League Phase Top Eight):
1. Liverpool (England)
2. Barcelona (Spain)
3. Arsenal (England)
4. Inter Milan (Italy)
5. Atlético Madrid (Spain)
6. Bayer Leverkusen (Germany)
7. Lille (France)
8. Aston Villa (England)
Unseeded Teams (Knockout Phase Play-Off Winners):
– Bayern Munich (Germany)
– Feyenoord (Netherlands)
– Club Brugge (Belgium)
– Benfica (Portugal)
– Borussia Dortmund (Germany)
– Real Madrid (Spain)
– Paris Saint-Germain (France)
– PSV Eindhoven (Netherlands)
Potential Matchups to Watch
With an open draw format, clubs from the same country can now face off, meaning heavyweight clashes could come early. That means we could see Liverpool vs. Real Madrid, Barcelona vs. Paris Saint-Germain, or even an all-English showdown featuring Arsenal or Aston Villa.
Key Dates for the Knockout Stage
Round of 16: First legs – March 4-5, 2025 | Second legs – March 11-12, 2025
Quarter-Finals: April 8-9 & April 15-16, 2025
Semi-Finals: April 29-30 & May 6-7, 2025
Final: May 31, 2025, at Allianz Arena, Munich
As the competition heats up, all eyes will be on the upcoming draw and the thrilling battles that will unfold in the quest for European glory. Stay tuned for updates on match schedules and ticket availability!
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