Champions League knockout stage: Key dates and playoff format explained
A look at the Champions League's knockout phase schedule, playoff format, and what lies ahead as Europe's elite competition heats up in February and March.
The business end of Europe’s premier football competition is fast approaching, with the Champions League league phase giving way to the knockout rounds that separate the wheat from the chaff.
Playoff schedule
The first hurdle for teams finishing between 9th and 24th place will be the knockout playoffs, scheduled as follows:
- First legs: February 17-18
- Second legs: February 24-25
The higher-ranked side will enjoy home advantage for the decisive second leg - a proper result for those who performed better in the league phase.
How the playoff draw works
The playoff matchups follow a structured format that pairs teams based on their final league phase position:
- Teams finishing 9th/10th will face those in 23rd/24th
- Teams in 11th/12th will meet those in 21st/22nd
- Teams in 13th/14th will battle those in 19th/20th
- Teams in 15th/16th will play against those in 17th/18th
Unlike previous formats, there are no restrictions on the draw - meaning clubs from the same country can face each other, and teams who already met in the league phase could square off again. It’s all fair game now.
Round of 16 and beyond
The eight teams who finished in the top eight positions during the league phase get a free pass straight to the Round of 16, where they’ll be joined by the eight playoff winners.
Mark these dates in your diary:
- Round of 16 draw: February 27 (along with quarter-final and semi-final draws)
- Round of 16 first legs: March 10-11
- Round of 16 second legs: March 17-18
What about the Spanish clubs?
With Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atlético Madrid and Athletic Bilbao all involved, Spanish football fans have plenty of skin in the game. The final positions in the league phase will determine whether these clubs go straight to the Round of 16 or face the playoff hurdle first.
This new format is still finding its feet in just its second season, but one thing’s for certain - the cream of European football is about to rise to the top when the knockout drama kicks off next month. It’s going to be proper Bobby Dazzler of a competition from here on out.