How Champions League knockouts work: Playoffs, round of 16 and draws
The UEFA Champions League introduced a new knockout format last season, but even in its second year, many fans are still scratching their heads over how it works.
The changes aim to give more teams a chance at the Round of 16, but the added playoff round has created confusion about who plays whom and when.
Playoff round
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Unlike the old format, the new system has a knockout playoff round before the traditional Round of 16. This stage involves 16 teams that finished 9th to 24th in the league phase.
The top eight automatically advance to the Round of 16, while the lowest-ranked teams (25th-36th) are eliminated.
Each playoff tie is played over two legs. The higher-ranked team gets the advantage of hosting the second leg.
Higher-ranked sides host the second leg, giving them a small advantage. Winners progress to the Round of 16; losers are out.
Round of 16:Practical examples
After the playoffs, the eight top finishers join the eight winners. The draw is on February 27, but here’s how it could play out:
- Arsenal or Bayern Munich could face Dortmund if they beat Atalanta, or Leverkusen if they defeat Olympiacos.
- Liverpool or Tottenham might meet Atletico Madrid if Club Brugge loses, or Juventus if Galatasaray wins.
- Barcelona or Chelsea could face PSG if Monaco loses, or Newcastle United if Qarabag upsets them.
- Manchester City or Sporting CP could take on Real Madrid if Benfica falls, or Inter if Bodo/Glimt wins.
For instance, if Dortmund beats Atalanta and Olympiacos loses to Leverkusen, Arsenal would likely face Dortmund while Bayern plays Leverkusen, creating blockbuster ties even before the quarterfinals.
There’s no country protection, so clubs from the same nation could meet early, adding more drama.
Matches are two-legged, with first legs on February 17-18 and second legs on February 24-25. Higher-ranked teams host the second leg. Playoff matchups are:
- Borussia Dortmund vs. Atalanta
- Benfica vs. Real Madrid
- AS Monaco vs. Paris Saint-Germain
- Galatasaray vs. Juventus
- Club Brugge vs. Atletico Madrid
- FK Qarabag vs. Newcastle United
- Bodo/Glimt vs. Internazionale
- Olympiacos vs. Bayer Leverkusen
Winners progress to the Round of 16; losers exit.
After the Round of 16, another draw will be held to determine quarterfinal matchups, so the path to the final isn’t fixed until then.
Key dates and future draws
Quarterfinals are April 7-8 and 14-15, semifinals April 28-29 and May 5-6, with the final set for May 30 in Budapest
This format allows for exciting, unpredictable ties, as clubs from the same country can meet at any stage.
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William Muthama
William Muthama is a digital journalist with a focus on entertainment, human interest, and current affairs. Share stories: [email protected]/ [email protected]
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