The 2024/25 UEFA Champions League knockout phase play-off draw has delivered some thrilling matchups, with defending champions Real Madrid once again crossing paths with Manchester City. This marks the fourth consecutive season that the two European powerhouses will clash in the knockout rounds. Meanwhile, Bayern Munich will head to Scotland to take on Celtic, and Paris Saint-Germain will battle Ligue 1 counterparts Brest.
With the first legs scheduled for February 11-12 and the return fixtures a week later on February 18-19, the stage is set for intense battles as clubs fight for a spot in the Round of 16.
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Manchester City vs Real Madrid: A Rivalry Rekindled
Manchester City and Real Madrid have built an intense Champions League rivalry in recent years. Last season, the two clubs met in the quarterfinals, with both legs ending in draws before Madrid triumphed on penalties. Los Blancos then went on to claim the trophy after defeating Borussia Dortmund in the final.
The year before, City dominated the Spanish giants with a 5-1 aggregate victory in the semifinals before completing a historic treble by beating Inter Milan in the final. This time, however, Pep Guardiola’s side enters the tie under different circumstances. The Premier League champions have struggled to maintain their dominance this season, winning only three games in the Champions League league phase and falling behind in the domestic title race.
Real Madrid, on the other hand, also had a slow start but have found their rhythm under Carlo Ancelotti, with marquee signing Kylian Mbappé leading the charge. The upcoming tie promises another fascinating chapter in this ever-growing rivalry.
Bayern Munich to Test Celtic’s European Ambitions
Bayern Munich will face Scottish champions Celtic in what promises to be an exciting contest. The Bavarians have been one of the tournament’s most consistent teams in recent years, and their firepower will be a major test for Brendan Rodgers’ squad.
Celtic will look to use their home advantage at a packed Celtic Park in the first leg to unsettle Kompany’s men before traveling to the Allianz Arena. For the Scottish side, overcoming Bayern would be a massive statement in their European campaign.
PSG vs Brest: French Duel on the Continental Stage
Paris Saint-Germain have drawn Brest in a rare all-French European clash. While PSG remain the dominant force in Ligue 1, Brest have been one of the season’s biggest surprises and will relish the opportunity to challenge Bradely Barcola and company on the Champions League stage.
This matchup will test PSG’s ability to handle familiar opposition in a high-pressure scenario. With Luis Enrique aiming to bring European glory to Paris, a strong performance will be crucial to avoid an early upset.
Key Champions League Knockout Phase Fixtures
The play-off round will determine which teams join the top eight finishers from the league phase—Liverpool, Barcelona, Arsenal, Aston Villa, and others—who have already secured their place in the Round of 16. The draw for the next stage will take place on February 21.
Complete Play-Off Round Fixtures
- Sporting CP vs Borussia Dortmund
- Brest vs Paris Saint-Germain
- Monaco vs Benfica
- Juventus vs PSV Eindhoven
- Feyenoord vs Milan
- Manchester City vs Real Madrid
- Celtic vs Bayern München
- Club Brugge vs Atalanta
FAQs
When will the Champions League knockout phase play-off matches take place?
The first legs are scheduled for February 11-12, 2025, with the return fixtures on February 18-19, 2025.
Which teams will face each other in the play-off round?
Key matchups include Manchester City vs Real Madrid, Bayern Munich vs Celtic, PSG vs Brest, and Juventus vs PSV Eindhoven
How many times have Manchester City and Real Madrid met in the knockout stages?
This will be their fourth consecutive knockout-stage encounter, with Madrid winning last season on penalties and City triumphing in 2023.
When is the Champions League Round of 16 draw?
The Round of 16 draw will take place on February 21, 2025.
Which teams have already qualified for the Round of 16?
Liverpool, Barcelona, Arsenal, Aston Villa, Lille, Leverkusen, Atletico, Inter are the top finishers from the league phase have automatically advanced.
