The new Champions League format introduces play-offs for the knockout stage, with 16 teams vying for a chance to advance. Liverpool and Barcelona are the only two teams guaranteed a top-eight finish, while teams finishing ninth to 24th face a two-legged play-off challenge. The draw for the play-offs takes place on January 31st, with matches scheduled for February.
The Champions League knockout stage is approaching, but 16 teams face a hurdle before advancing. This season marks the debut of the new Champions League format, which sees the top eight teams from the group stage automatically qualify for the knockout round. Liverpool and Barcelona are currently the only two teams guaranteed a top-eight finish. Arsenal and Inter Milan are tied for 16 points and a draw in their final group stage matches would secure their spots.
Manchester City, currently two points shy of a knockout berth, must defeat Club Brugge in their final game on Wednesday to maintain their hopes. Teams finishing between ninth and 24th will enter the Champions League knockout phase play-offs, a two-legged affair scheduled for February. Notably, teams finishing 25th and below are eliminated from the competition without a drop-down to the Europa League, a departure from previous seasons. With one final group stage match remaining, all 36 Champions League clubs are vying for their final positions. The seeding for the knockout phase play-offs will see teams ranked ninth to 16th paired against clubs ranked 17th to 24th. The eight victors from these play-offs will then progress to the round of 16, where they'll face one of the top eight teams from the group stage. The draw for the knockout phase play-offs is scheduled for January 31st at 11 am GMT, streamed live on UEFA's website, YouTube channel, and TNT Sports 2. The first legs of the play-offs will take place on February 11th and 12th, followed by the return legs on February 18th and 19th. The draws for the round of 16, quarter-finals, and semi-finals are all set for February 21st
Champions League Knockout Stage Play-Offs Format Liverpool Barcelona Manchester City UEFA
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