The UEFA Champions League, organized by UEFA, is gearing up for its thrilling knockout stage as the highly anticipated playoff draw for the 2024-25 season takes place today. Fans are buzzing with excitement over the recent changes to the tournament format, which now sees an increase in the number of participating teams and matches, promising even more top-tier football action.
Gone are the days of the traditional group stage; instead, this season introduces a revamped league phase. From the outset, the competition has welcomed 36 clubs instead of the previous 32, resulting in 189 matches rather than the standard 125. Each team will compete in eight matches within this expansive league, creating drama and unpredictability as they battle for their place in the knockout rounds.
Today’s draw will determine the matchups for the playoff round, where the teams finishing ninth to twenty-fourth will compete for the final eight spots in the coveted knockout stage. The top eight teams from the league phase have already secured their places, setting the stage for some exhilarating matchups to come.
The playoff draw will be live-streamed on WOWOW Soccer’s official YouTube channel at 7:30 PM JST, with expert commentary from notable guests including Sota Ananaga, Kazuyuki Toda, and Ben Maybury, hosted by Hiroki Yokouchi. Fans can expect detailed analyses and predictions about the upcoming clashes revealed during the draw.
Matches will be conducted over two weeks, commencing with home-and-away fixtures on February 12-13 and 19-20, 2025. This new format promises to keep fans on the edge of their seats as clubs will strive to maximize points against tough competition.
Alongside the playoff draw, WOWOW will continue to provide exclusive live coverage of Champions League matches from the league phase through to the finals, alongside highlights and analysis. This season's changes have sparked conversations about the potential impact on team strategies and the likelihood of upsets during the playoffs.
With major clubs like Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain, who have faced recent struggles yet secured spots for the knockout phase, fans are eager to see how these powerhouses adapt to the new structure. The 2024-25 season raises the stakes, as teams must not only face off against familiar rivals but also navigate the fresh league-phase format, adding layers of strategy and intensity to each encounter.
Football enthusiasts are encouraged to follow the coverage on WOWOW and engage with the live coverage on social media platforms. The platform, which has exclusive broadcast rights, is set to enrich the viewing experience with expert insights and fan engagement throughout the season.
The UEFA Champions League continues to captivate audiences across the globe, and with today's draw, the excitement is only set to intensify. The decisions made during the draw will shape the tournament's narrative, with each match carrying the potential to create unforgettable moments.
Watch the draw live and see what the future holds for your favorite teams. For all details on broadcast schedules and updates, follow WOWOW Soccer’s official channels, ensuring you don't miss any of the high-stakes action as clubs prepare for their battles on the road to the final.