The Champions League’s league phase has concluded, wrapping up nearly five months of exhilarating football featuring 144 matches and a total of 487 goals, including a remarkable score by a goalkeeper. While two-thirds of participating teams advanced, notable clubs such as Ajax, PSV Eindhoven, and Serie A champions Napoli faced early exits along with Marseille.
The top eight teams, comprising Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Barcelona, Chelsea, Sporting CP, and Manchester City, have secured places in the round of 16. However, they must remain alert as the knockout playoffs approach, which will determine their next challenges come March.
These playoffs include teams ranked ninth through 24th, competing over two legs in February for the coveted round of 16 spots. This year’s lineup features high-profile competitors, including defending champions Paris Saint-Germain, the record-holding Real Madrid, as well as Inter, Newcastle United, Juventus, and Atlético Madrid.
In a twist of fate, Real Madrid found themselves relegated to ninth place after a stunning 98th-minute header by Anatoliy Trubin of Benfica in their final league phase match, which not only pushed Benfica into the playoffs but also displaced the Spanish giants from the top eight. This matchup sets the stage for an intense duel between Benfica and Real Madrid.
Continuing the theme of unexpected turns, PSG faces Monaco in the knockout playoffs for the second consecutive year. Despite PSG’s impressive 10–0 aggregate win against Brest last year, they may find themselves in a tougher battle this time against Monaco, a team that has already claimed a victory over them this season.
The confirmed dates for the first legs of the playoffs are Feb. 17 or Feb. 18, with the second legs scheduled for Feb. 24 or Feb. 25, pending official confirmation from UEFA. Following the playoffs, the round of 16 draw will take place on Feb. 27, pairing the playoff winners with the top eight teams.
Teams that secured direct entry into the round of 16 will enjoy the advantage of hosting the second leg in their respective matchups. The highly anticipated knockout stage kicks off in March, promising thrilling encounters and more drama as clubs vie for a place in the quarter-finals.
As fans eagerly await the upcoming matches, the combination of legendary clubs and intense rivalries signals that the excitement of the Champions League is far from over. The stage is set for memorable moments as teams strive to lift the prestigious trophy.