The UEFA Champions League 2024/25 knockout phase is one of the most thrilling parts of the tournament, where the best teams from across Europe go head-to-head. This year, the draw for the 2024/25 knockout phase play-offs will take place on Friday, January 31, at 12:00 CET. Fans around the world are eagerly anticipating who their favorite clubs will face in this high-stakes stage of the competition.
How the Knockout Phase Draw Works:
For those new to the competition or just looking for a refresher, here’s how the draw is conducted:
- Qualified Teams: The top two teams from each of the eight groups in the group stage qualify for the knockout rounds.
- Seeded and Unseeded Teams:
- The group winners are seeded.
- The runners-up are unseeded.
- Restrictions: Clubs cannot face opponents they played in the group stage or teams from the same national association.
The draw will determine the matchups for the Round of 16, with the seeded teams playing the first leg away and the second leg at home.
Key Dates to Remember:
- Round of 16 First Legs: February 18–19 and 25–26, 2025
- Round of 16 Second Legs: March 11–12 and 18–19, 2025
- Quarter-Finals, Semi-Finals, and Final: To be determined as the competition progresses.
Teams to Watch:
The 2024/25 season has seen stellar performances from clubs across Europe. Here are a few teams to keep an eye on:
- Manchester City (England):
- The reigning champions from 2023/24. Known for their dominance under Pep Guardiola, they’re the team everyone wants to beat.
- Real Madrid (Spain):
- The record-holders with 14 titles. Real Madrid always delivers incredible performances in the knockout stages.
- Bayern Munich (Germany):
- Consistently strong in the Champions League, Bayern’s star-studded squad is built for success in Europe.
- Paris Saint-Germain (France):
- With world-class players like Kylian Mbappé, PSG is always a threat, even if they’re still chasing their first Champions League trophy.
- Inter Milan (Italy):
- Last season’s finalists. Inter continues to be a strong force in Europe with a mix of defensive solidity and attacking flair.
- Arsenal (England):
- After returning to the Champions League following a lengthy absence, Arsenal has impressed in the group stage. They could be dark horses in the knockout phase.
- Barcelona (Spain):
- Back in the knockout stages after rebuilding their squad, Barça has a lot to prove on Europe’s biggest stage.
- Napoli (Italy):
- The Italian champions have been a revelation in recent years. They’re known for their attacking style and could upset bigger clubs.
- Dark Horse Picks:
- Newcastle United (England): Their first Champions League campaign in decades has been exciting to watch.
- RB Leipzig (Germany): Known for upsetting bigger teams, they could surprise once again.
How to Follow the Draw Live:
The UEFA’s official website will stream the draw. If you’re on the go, why not tune into a sports radio station to catch all the updates?
Radio Recommendations for the Champions League Draw
- talkSPORT (UK): Listen for live sports coverage and expert analysis.
- RMC Sport (France): Perfect for French listeners who want in-depth insights.
- Cadena SER (Spain): Known for its passionate coverage of European football.
- RAI Radio 1 (Italy): Bringing Italian fans all the action from the draw and beyond.
- Radio 1 VRT (Belgium): Ideal for multilingual coverage of the event.
Why This Draw Matters
The knockout phase creates the legends. Every pairing carries the potential for drama, upsets, and moments that will go down in football history. The path to the final becomes clearer, and fans start dreaming of lifting the coveted trophy.
Whether you’re supporting a powerhouse club or rooting for an underdog, the UEFA Champions League knockout phase is always full of surprises. Mark your calendars for January 31 and get ready to cheer for your favorite team as they continue their journey toward glory.
