Champions League Knockout Play-Off Draw Confirmed for February Fixtures
The draw for the Champions League knockout phase play-offs has been completed, setting up a series of compelling fixtures for teams that finished between ninth and 24th in the group phase. The matches are scheduled to take place in mid to late February, with the first legs on 17 or 18 February and the return legs a week later on 24 or 25 February.
Key Ties in the Play-Off Round
Among the standout pairings, Newcastle United have been handed what appears to be a favourable draw against Qarabag, offering the English side a promising opportunity to advance to the next stage. In a highly anticipated rematch, Real Madrid will face Benfica, repeating the thrilling encounter that captivated fans during the final gameweek of the league phase.
On the silver side of the bracket, Paris Saint-Germain have been drawn against Monaco, setting up an all-French clash that promises intense rivalry and high stakes. Other notable fixtures include Borussia Dortmund versus Atalanta, Olympiakos against Bayer Leverkusen, Galatasaray taking on Juventus, and Club Brugge facing Atletico Madrid.
Top Eight Sides Await February Draw
The teams that secured a top eight finish in the group phase, including Premier League clubs Arsenal, Tottenham, Liverpool, Manchester City, and Chelsea, will discover their opponents in a separate draw scheduled for 27 February. This sets the stage for the latter stages of the competition, with the play-off winners progressing to face these elite sides.
The play-off round represents a critical juncture in the Champions League, blending classic European football glory with the modern challenges of a revamped format. As clubs like Newcastle, Real Madrid, and PSG prepare for their February battles, fans can look forward to a month of high-octane football action that will shape the path to the coveted trophy.
