The UEFA Champions League 2025 has kicked off its playoffs, determining the final eight teams to qualify for the Round of 16. Following the new format introduced for this season, these playoffs will feature four matches played over two legs. The first leg took place on February 11 and 12, 2025, showcasing some of the continent's top football clubs competing for advancement.
On the first day of matches, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) asserted their dominance against Stade Brestois with a decisive 3-0 victory. Under the guidance of coach Luis Enrique, PSG displayed formidable attacking prowess, with Ousmane Dembélé scoring twice to secure the win. The match also saw Vitinha convert from the penalty spot, giving PSG what is likely to be an insurmountable lead heading to the second leg.
Juventus had their own successes at home, edging past PSV Eindhoven with a 2-1 triumph. Both teams exchanged blows, but the Italian side managed to come out on top, thanks to pivotal goals late in the match.
Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund traveled to Lisbon to face Sporting CP and concluded the match with a commanding 3-0 scoreline. Dortmund's performance was characterized by precision and control, with the team managing to establish their lead early and maintain it throughout the game.
The most highly anticipated match of the day was undeniably the clash between Manchester City and Real Madrid, the latter managing to secure a thrilling 3-2 win at the Etihad Stadium. Both teams showcased their tactical strengths, yet it was Madrid who clinched the victory, setting up what promises to be an exciting second leg.
The action continued on February 12, as four more fixtures were scheduled, including Bruges taking on Atalanta, and Celtic battling Bayern Munich, among others. The full slate of matches offered fans the promise of intense competition as clubs vied for spots in the knockout phase of Europe's premier club competition.
Results from the first leg of the playoffs were as follows:
- Stade Brestois 0 - 3 Paris Saint-Germain
- Juventus 2 - 1 PSV Eindhoven
- Sporting CP 0 - 3 Borussia Dortmund
- Manchester City 2 - 3 Real Madrid
On the follow-up dates, the second leg promises to provide its own drama. The fixtures will include:
- Atalanta vs Bruges
- Monaco vs Benfica
- Celtic vs Bayern Munich
- Feyenoord vs AC Milan
Fans can mark their calendars for the return legs on February 18 and 19, 2025. The winning teams will advance to the Round of 16, joining the eight clubs already confirmed from the initial league phase: Liverpool FC, FC Barcelona, Arsenal FC, Inter Milan, Atlético de Madrid, Bayer 04 Leverkusen, LOSC Lille, and Aston Villa FC.
The draw for the subsequent Round of 16 is set for February 21, 2025, creating more anticipation as the remaining teams prepare for intense competition as the Champions League progresses. March 2025 will see the kickoff of the next round, where clubs will fight for glory at the highest level.