Champions League 2024/25: Playoff Teams Set for Knockout Stage

NYON, Switzerland — The UEFA Champions League 2024/25 has reached a critical juncture, with the playoff teams finalized after eight intense matchdays in the league phase. Eight clubs have secured direct qualification to the round of 16, while 16 others will battle in a knockout playoff for the remaining spots.

Liverpool, Barcelona, Arsenal, Inter Milan, Atlético de Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, Lille, and Aston Villa topped their groups, earning automatic advancement. Meanwhile, teams ranked 9th to 24th, including Atalanta, Borussia Dortmund, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain, will compete in a two-legged playoff for a chance to join them.

The playoff draw will take place on Friday, January 31, in Nyon, Switzerland. The 16 teams are divided into seeded and unseeded pots, with seeded teams including Atalanta, Borussia Dortmund, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich. Unseeded teams, such as Monaco, Brest, and Club Bruges, will face tougher matchups.

Under the new Champions League format, the league phase replaced the traditional group stage, with all 36 teams competing in a single table. The top eight advanced directly, while teams ranked 9th to 24th entered the playoffs. The bottom 12 were eliminated entirely.

UEFA introduced this format to increase competitiveness and reduce the number of inconsequential matches. “The new system ensures every game matters,” said a UEFA spokesperson. “Teams must perform consistently to progress.”

The playoff matches will be held on February 11-12 (first leg) and February 18-19 (second leg). The winners will join the top eight in the round of 16, with the draw for subsequent stages scheduled for February 21.

This season also marks the end of a 25-year tradition where third-placed Champions League teams dropped into the Europa League. The Europa League has adopted a similar league-phase format, eliminating the safety net for underperforming clubs. “There are no second chances now,” said a UEFA official. “Teams must focus on their primary competition.”

Fans can follow the playoff draw live on UEFA’s official platforms, with matches set to deliver high-stakes drama as Europe’s elite vie for continental glory.