The UEFA Champions League playoffs were set on January 31, 2025, during the draw held at the UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland. This year’s draw brought exciting matchups, particularly featuring two all-French clashes.
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) will face Stade Brestois, marking their first encounter since finishing the league stage. PSG, the reigning champions of France, enters the playoffs as the stronger side, having previously dominated Brest, securing 16 victories and one draw over their last 17 matches. The game is particularly important for Brest, who had hoped for different opponents but expressed excitement about competing against such established rivals.
“The magic of the cup is to meet foreign teams, and we would have preferred to play against Benfica. But we’re lucky to continue this adventure and it’s positive for us,” said Grégory Lorenzi, Director of Stade Brestois, reflecting on their upcoming challenge.
AS Monaco will take on Benfica, reviving memories of their previous encounter where Benfica triumphed 3-2. Monaco is eager for revenge and looks forward to the challenge. “It’s the draw we preferred. Having international competition is good for the fans,” commented Thiago Scuro, Sporting Director of AS Monaco, highlighting their anticipation for the matchup.
Among the other significant draws, perennial contenders Manchester City and Real Madrid will clash, adding another layer of drama to the playoffs. “A matchup of two greats of Europe awaits us,” noted Emilio Butragueño, Vice President of Real Madrid, underscoring the weight of this confrontation.
The matches are scheduled with the first legs to be held on February 11 and 12, followed by the second legs on February 18 and 19. Teams like Lille, having finished 7th, are directly qualified for the Round of 16 and will await their opponents until the next draw scheduled for February 21.
The conclusion of this year’s playoff format continues to stir interest among fans and players alike, with all eyes on how the French teams will fare against their European rivals. The stakes are high as PSG and Brest prepare to meet again shortly after facing each other during the Ligue 1, showcasing the intensity of matchups—potentially creating historic moments as they battle for advancement.
With the French soccer scene thriving, this year’s UEFA Champions League playoffs are set to be nothing short of thrilling as they approach the knockout stage of one of the world's most prestigious football competitions.