Champions League Playoff Draw: Everything You Need to Know
Following the conclusion of the Champions League group stage, the draw for the playoff round will take place to determine the teams advancing to the Round of 16. Here are the key details about this important event:
When is the Champions League playoff draw?
The draw will be held on Friday, January 31 at 12:00 CET in Nyon, Switzerland.
How does the playoff draw work?
The draw will determine the matchups for the 16 teams that finished 9th through 24th in the group stage rankings. The pairings are partially predetermined based on final group positions:
- 9th/10th place teams vs. 23rd/24th place teams
- 11th/12th vs. 21st/22nd
- 13th/14th vs. 19th/20th
- 15th/16th vs. 17th/18th
The higher-ranked team in each pairing will play the second leg at home.
Key playoff dates
- First leg: February 11-12, 2025
- Second leg: February 18-19, 2025
New format changes
Unlike previous seasons, teams from the same country can now face each other in the playoffs. Teams that played each other in the group stage can also be drawn together.
What’s next?
The 8 playoff winners will join the top 8 group stage finishers in the Round of 16. The draw for the Round of 16 and the rest of the knockout stage bracket will take place on February 21.