The stage is set for the inaugural UEFA Champions League knockout phase playoffs.
The highly anticipated playoffs kick off this week, featuring some of Europe’s biggest clubs battling for a place in the Round of 16.
The first-leg fixtures are scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday (February 11 and 12), with the return legs taking place next week on Tuesday and Wednesday (February 18 and 19).
A total of 16 teams—Brest, Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus, PSV Eindhoven, Manchester City, Real Madrid, Sporting CP, Borussia Dortmund, Club Brugge, Atalanta, Monaco, Benfica, Celtic, Bayern Munich, Feyenoord, and AC Milan—will compete in this crucial stage.
According to DAILY POST, only eight of these teams will advance to join the eight clubs that have already secured a place in the Round of 16. Arsenal, Aston Villa, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Inter Milan, Bayer Leverkusen, Lille, and Liverpool confirmed their spots after the group-stage concluded last month.
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Champions League Playoff Fixtures
Tuesday’s Matches:
- Brest vs Paris Saint-Germain – Brest has struggled in the Champions League, winning just two home games at Stade du Roudourou. Meanwhile, PSG has shown strong away form and remains unbeaten in their last 20 meetings with Brest.
- Juventus vs PSV Eindhoven – Juventus has had a mixed campaign, winning two home matches at Allianz Stadium. PSV has also performed well, winning one away game. The two sides have met once before, with Juventus emerging victorious.
- Manchester City vs Real Madrid – The Premier League champions have won two home games but have lacked consistency in the competition. Real Madrid, in contrast, has been impressive on the road. In their 13 previous encounters, City has won five times.
- Sporting CP vs Borussia Dortmund – Sporting CP has struggled despite winning two home matches. Dortmund, with two away wins, comes in strong. In their four past meetings, Sporting has won only once.
Wednesday’s Matches:
- Club Brugge vs Atalanta – Club Brugge has shown mixed form with two home wins, while Atalanta has been strong away, securing three victories on the road.
- Monaco vs Benfica – Both teams have had a balanced campaign, winning three home and away games, respectively. Monaco has yet to defeat Benfica in their three previous meetings.
- Celtic vs Bayern Munich – Celtic has won three home games but has never beaten Bayern in their four encounters. Bayern, despite strong overall form, has managed just one win in their last four away matches.
- Feyenoord vs AC Milan – Feyenoord and Milan have each recorded two wins in the competition. Historically, both teams have one victory against each other.
On Monday, DAILY POST spoke with respected journalist Femi Fabunmi, who shared his thoughts on this historic first edition of the UEFA Champions League knockout phase playoffs. He also predicted which eight teams he believes will advance to the Round of 16.
What are your thoughts on this new knockout playoff format? Which teams do you think will progress?
Fabunmi said, “On a personal note, I really do not fancy this New Format, but it looks like it has come to stay.
“The fact that teams do not get to play on a home and away basis is so off for me.
“Maybe UEFA should retain this format but with teams playing on neutral grounds.
“But playing a team just once on home soil will give advantage to some teams.”
Which eight teams among the 16 teams do you think will eventually advance to the Round of 16?
Fabunmi added, “I see Real Madrid, PSG, PSV, Atalanta, Benfica, Milan, Dortmund and Bayern qualifying to the round of 16.”
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