The Champions League playoffs for the 2024/25 season will be drawn today, January 31, at the House of European Football situated in Nyon, Switzerland. This draw, taking place at noon local time, marks the introduction of the playoff rounds, which allow teams ranked 9th to 24th from the group stage to compete for the remaining spots in the knockout phase.
According to reports, the tournament has changed its structure significantly this season, wherein the top eight teams from the group stage secure direct entry to the round of 16. The remaining 16 teams will battle through home-and-away playoff matches to determine who joins the elite teams already qualified.
Of notable interest are Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, two formidable German clubs who will be vying for advancement through these playoffs. Bayern is set to face Celtic Glasgow, effectively avoiding what could have been a challenging encounter with Manchester City. Meanwhile, Dortmund will go head-to-head with Sporting Lisbon.
The draw will function by pairing teams, with those ranked 9-16 considered 'seeded', having the advantage of playing the second leg at home. The unseeded teams from ranks 17-24 will host the first matches. The matchups for the playoffs include:
- Atalanta Bergamo vs. FC Brügge
- Sporting Lisbon vs. Borussia Dortmund
- Manchester City vs. Real Madrid
- Celtic Glasgow vs. FC Bayern Munich
- Juventus vs. PSV Eindhoven
- Feyenoord Rotterdam vs. AC Milan
- Stade Brest vs. Paris Saint-Germain
- AS Monaco vs. Benfica
The matches are scheduled for February 11 and 12 for the first leg, with return fixtures set for February 18 and 19.
Fans can catch the draw live via multiple platforms: Sky Sport will broadcast it, along with UEFA’s own online streaming option. DAZN will also be providing coverage, ensuring ample opportunities for followers of European football to witness the pivotal draw as it happens.
Looking back at how teams reached this stage, the new structure aims to invigorate the competition, providing excitement through closely contested playoff matches rather than straightforward knockout rounds. This change was implemented to keep fans engaged and maintain the competitive integrity of the Champions League.
Each team participating will have its own strategies and preparations leading up to today’s draw. Bayern Munich, having drawn Celtic, will be pleased to dodge the potentially perilous challenge from Manchester City, which now faces the pressure of competing against Real Madrid. This scenario sets the stage for dramatic showdowns and marks the significance of today’s event.
The playoffs hold major importance as they pave the way to the round of 16; subsequent matches will take place on March 4/5 and 11/12. So, there’s no immediate rest for clubs as they gear up to solidify their legacies and chase after Europe’s most prestigious football trophy.
Indeed, this moment not only affects player morale and fan spirit but also plays a significant role as teams, like Bayer Leverkusen, look on from the sidelines, patiently waiting to discover whom they will face if their counterparts are successful on the road to the knockout stage.
This evening's conclusion will eventually reveal who stands tall and ready for the ensuing phase of the Champions League, offering teams the spotlight as they aspire for glory. With history on the line, anticipation runs high, and football enthusiasts worldwide are eager for the draw results!