Bayern Munich avoid Manchester City as English champions draw Real Madrid to set up the headlining tie of the playoff round.
The keenly anticipated Champions League knockout rounds have been drawn, and as expected, the playoffs will feature some of the biggest clubs in the world.
Liverpool, Barcelona, Arsenal, Inter, Atletico Madrid, Lille, Bayer Leverkusen, and Aston Villa, which finished 1st to 8th in the League phase, have all sealed places in the round of 16. They will wait for the results of the playoff rounds to confirm their opponents for the next round.
)
06:35 - 31.01.2025
Not for me to say: Leverkusen's Champions League hero leaves Super Eagles fate to new coach Eric Chelle
Bayer Leverkusen's Nathan Tella speaks on his Super Eagles chances under new Nigeria coach Eric Chelle.
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10:23 - 30.01.2025
‘Special player’ — Legends hail Nigeria-Eligible Nwaneri after cracking UCL goal
Arsenal young superstar Ethan Nwaneri has been praised for his impressive display in the Gunners 2-1 UEFA Champions League win over Girona.
Playoff draws
Manchester City's fate of facing a Pot 1 side was cast due to their league phase finish. On the other hand, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich could face the Cityzens or Celtics. The Bavarians got the more favourable tie as the LALIGA champions drew Pep Guardiola's struggling charges.
The Serie A sides Milan, Juventus and Atalanta also secured draws in which they entered as favourites. PSG and Brest will play an all-french tie, while fellow Ligue 1 side Monaco drew Benfica. Celtic vs Bayern Munich and Sporting CP vs Dortmund are the remaining ties in the round.