The UEFA Champions League knockout phase is officially underway, and the first round of playoff matchups promises drama, history, and high-stakes football as Europe’s top clubs prepare for two-leg battles in February.
Following the conclusion of the league phase, teams finishing between 9th and 24th earned spots in the knockout playoffs, where each pairing will be decided across home-and-away legs. The winners will advance to the Round of 16, joining the top eight finishers who earned automatic qualification.
First-leg matches are scheduled for mid-February (February 16–18), with second legs set for the following week (February 23–25). While exact dates are still being finalized, the structure is set — and so are the storylines.
Monaco (21) vs. Paris Saint-Germain (11)
This all-French showdown headlines the opening round. PSG enter as favorites after finishing 11th in the league phase, while Monaco scraped in at 21st. With domestic familiarity and pride on the line, expect a fiery, tactical duel.
Galatasaray (20) vs. Juventus (13)
Two giants from Turkey and Italy collide in one of the most intriguing ties. Juventus’ recent form surge gives them confidence after finishing 13th, but Galatasaray’s home atmosphere could swing momentum.
Benfica (24) vs. Real Madrid (9)
Perhaps the marquee matchup of the round, this pairing brings together two of Europe’s most decorated clubs. Real Madrid finished 9th, narrowly missing automatic qualification, and will look to assert dominance after losing to Benfica in Matchday 8. Benfica enter as the lowest-ranked playoff team at 24th.
Borussia Dortmund (17) vs. Atalanta (15)
A clash of styles defines this matchup. Dortmund (17th) bring attacking flair, while Atalanta (15th) rely on physicality and pressing.
Qarabağ (22) vs. Newcastle United (12)
Newcastle (12th) continue their European return against Qarabağ (22nd). The long trip and hostile environment make this a tricky test for Eddie Howe’s side.
Club Brugge (19) vs. Atlético Madrid (14)
Atlético (14th) bring knockout experience against a dangerous Club Brugge side that finished 19th and proved tough to beat in the league phase.
Bodø/Glimt (23) vs. Inter Milan (10)
Inter (10th) are among the strongest teams in this round, but Bodø/Glimt (23rd) are known for producing shock results, especially at home.
Olympiacos (18) vs. Bayer Leverkusen (16)
Leverkusen (16th) enter as slight favorites, but Olympiacos (18th) have the pedigree and atmosphere to make this a tense two-leg battle.
How the Rankings Shaped the Draw
The league-phase standings played a major role in determining the matchups. Real Madrid (9th), Inter (10th), Paris Saint-Germain (11th), and Newcastle (12th) headline the seeded sides, while teams such as Benfica (24th), Bodø/Glimt (23rd), and Qarabağ (22nd) enter as dangerous outsiders.
With only a few points separating many of the teams from 9th to 24th, the margins were razor-thin. That competitiveness is reflected in a bracket filled with evenly matched pairings and potential upsets.
What’s at Stake
These playoff ties are season-defining moments.
Two-legged football rewards consistency, adaptability, and mental toughness. A strong first leg can build momentum, but one bad night can erase months of work. Squad depth, away performances, and in-game management will all play decisive roles.
For clubs like Real Madrid, PSG, and Inter, anything short of qualification would be considered failure. For underdogs such as Qarabağ, Bodø/Glimt, and Monaco, this stage represents an opportunity to announce themselves on Europe’s biggest platform.
A February to Remember
With elite matchups, regional rivalries, and contrasting football philosophies, the Champions League knockout playoffs are set to deliver a thrilling start to the business end of the season.
By late February, eight teams will see their European dreams end — while eight more will march on toward continental glory into the Round of 16.
And judging by this draw, nothing will come easy.
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