The highly anticipated Champions League knockout play-offs are drawing to a close, with the last-16 draw just around the corner. Fans, players, and pundits alike are eagerly awaiting to see which footballing giants will face off in the next stage of this prestigious competition.
When is the Champions League last-16 draw?
Mark your calendars for Friday, February 21 at 11 am, when the Champions League last-16 draw will take place. Make sure to follow the draw live on the Sky Sports digital platforms for all the excitement and drama as the matchups are revealed.
Who has qualified for the last 16?
The top eight teams from the competition’s new league phase table have secured their spots in the last 16. These elite clubs include Liverpool, Barcelona, Arsenal, Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, Lille, and Aston Villa. Joining them are the four winners of the knockout play-offs: Bayern Munich, Benfica, Club Brugge, and Feyenoord.
What’s the format for the upcoming rounds?
From the knockout play-offs onwards, the tournament follows a bracket format, with potential opponents in the last 16, quarter-finals, and semi-finals pre-defined by pairings based on the teams’ final league positions. The draw for the quarter-finals and semi-finals will determine which team hosts the first leg and the crucial return leg.
Who could British teams face in the last 16?
The British contingent in the Champions League is eagerly awaiting their fate in the last-16 draw. Liverpool, as the 1st seed, could potentially face PSG, Benfica, or Brest. Arsenal, the 3rd seed, might square off against PSV, Feyenoord, or Juventus. Aston Villa, the 8th seed, could meet Borussia Dortmund, Sporting, or Club Brugge. Meanwhile, Manchester City is set to face Real Madrid in the knockout play-offs, with the chance to meet Atletico Madrid or Bayer Leverkusen in the last 16.
Champions League Knockout Play-off Fixtures and Results
The road to the last 16 has been filled with thrilling encounters and dramatic moments. From PSG’s dominant win over Brest to Bayern Munich’s nail-biting victory against Celtic, each match has brought fans to the edge of their seats. The second legs of these fixtures promise even more excitement and tension as the teams battle for a place in the next round.
How does the Champions League last-16 draw work?
The draw for the last 16 is a meticulously orchestrated event that sets the stage for the next phase of the competition. The top eight clubs are paired based on their league phase positions to form four seeded pairs, each facing off against a knockout phase play-off winner. The draw process involves carefully selecting teams from marked bowls, ensuring a fair and transparent allocation of matchups.
When are the Champions League knockout rounds?
As the competition heats up, fans can look forward to an action-packed schedule in the coming months. The last 16 matches are set for March 4/5 and March 11/12, followed by the quarter-finals on April 8/9 and April 15/16. The semi-finals will take place on April 29/30 and May 6/7, leading up to the final on May 31 at Bayern Munich’s iconic Allianz Arena.
The Champions League last-16 draw is not just a pivotal moment in the tournament; it’s a celebration of football’s finest talents and a showcase of the beautiful game at its best. Stay tuned for all the excitement and drama as the teams discover their fate in the quest for European glory. The stage is set, the stakes are high, and the world is watching. Let the games begin.
