When is Champions League draw? Date, start time, TV channel and live stream for knockout play-offs

The UEFA Champions League, one of the most prestigious football competitions in the world, is currently in its league phase. This week marks the final stage of the group matches, as clubs aim to secure their spots in the knockout rounds. The competition, known for its high stakes and intense matchups, is entering a crucial phase that will determine the fate of many teams.

Several clubs, such as Liverpool and Barcelona, have already secured their places in the last-16 stage of the tournament. These teams have consistently performed well throughout the league phase and have demonstrated the quality and resilience needed to compete at the highest level of European football. On the other hand, nine teams have been mathematically eliminated from the competition. These clubs, despite their efforts, are no longer in contention to progress to the knockout stages, regardless of the outcomes of their final matches.

For the remaining 36 clubs, the stakes are high. The competition format rewards the top eight teams from the league phase by granting them direct qualification to the last-16 stage. This is a significant advantage, as it allows these teams to bypass the additional knockout phase play-offs, which involve an extra round of matches. Teams finishing in the 9th to 24th positions will have to participate in this play-off round to keep their Champions League dreams alive. The race to secure these spots is intense, with clubs fighting for every point in their final matches.

One of the most prominent storylines in this phase of the competition involves Manchester City. Despite being one of the favorites to win the tournament, City finds itself in a precarious position. The team must win its final match against Club Brugge to avoid an early and shocking exit from the tournament. This scenario underscores the unpredictable nature of the Champions League, where even the strongest teams can face elimination if they falter at crucial moments.

Meanwhile, other giants of European football, such as Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), are also under pressure. These clubs may face the prospect of competing in the knockout phase play-offs if they fail to secure a top-eight finish. The play-offs, consisting of a two-legged tie, add an extra layer of complexity and difficulty to the path toward the Champions League trophy.

Arsenal, another English club, is in a much stronger position. The team is almost certain to finish in the top eight, thanks to its consistent performances throughout the league phase. However, Aston Villa faces a more challenging situation. The club must secure a victory in its final match against Celtic to keep its hopes of a top-eight finish alive. This scenario highlights the varied fortunes of English clubs in this year’s competition.

The Champions League knockout phase play-off draw is scheduled to take place on Friday, January 31, 2025, at 11 am GMT. This highly anticipated event will be streamed live on UEFA’s official website, providing fans around the world with the opportunity to follow the draw in real-time. Additionally, Standard Sport will offer live coverage of the draw through its dedicated blog, ensuring that fans have access to detailed updates and analysis.

The draw is a critical moment in the tournament, as it determines the matchups for the knockout phase play-offs. Teams finishing in the 9th to 16th positions in the league phase will be seeded. This means they will play their second leg at home, which is often considered an advantage in knockout football. These seeded teams will face opponents who finished in the 17th to 24th positions. The seeding system ensures that higher-ranked teams are rewarded for their performances in the league phase while maintaining a level of competitiveness in the play-offs.

There is also a pairing system in place for the draw. For example, the teams that finished in the 9th and 10th positions will face either the team that finished 23rd or 24th. Similarly, the 11th and 12th-placed teams will take on the sides that finished in the 21st or 22nd positions, and so on. This system ensures a balanced and fair distribution of matchups while preserving the excitement and unpredictability of the competition.

Another interesting aspect of the draw is the possibility of teams facing opponents from the same country. Unlike the league phase, where teams from the same nation are typically kept apart, the knockout phase play-offs do not have such restrictions. This means that domestic rivals could face off in high-stakes European matches, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the competition. Furthermore, teams may also face opponents they encountered during the league phase, leading to potential rematches with added intensity.

The knockout phase play-offs are scheduled to take place in February 2025. The first legs will be held on Tuesday, February 11, and Wednesday, February 12, with the return legs occurring a week later. These matches will play a crucial role in determining the final composition of the last-16 stage, as teams battle for survival in the competition.

Several clubs have already secured their spots in the knockout stage, with their specific rounds yet to be confirmed. These include prominent teams like AC Milan, Atletico Madrid, Inter, Juventus, and Real Madrid. Other clubs, such as Arsenal, Aston Villa, and Celtic, are still fighting for their places in the play-offs or the last-16. The diversity of clubs involved in the competition highlights the wide appeal and competitiveness of the Champions League.

Liverpool and Barcelona, having guaranteed their places in the last-16, can approach their final league phase matches with a sense of security. This allows them to focus on preparing for the challenges ahead in the knockout stages. Their early qualification is a testament to their quality and consistency, which are essential attributes for success in the Champions League.

As the competition progresses, fans can look forward to more thrilling matches and dramatic moments. The Champions League is renowned for its ability to produce unforgettable footballing memories, and this season promises to be no different. From last-minute goals to stunning comebacks, the tournament has a unique way of capturing the imagination of football fans worldwide.

In conclusion, the UEFA Champions League is entering a decisive phase as clubs vie for a place in the knockout stages. The upcoming draw for the knockout phase play-offs will set the stage for the next chapter of the competition, as teams prepare to face off in high-stakes matches. With some of the biggest names in European football still in contention, fans can expect a thrilling and unpredictable journey to the final. The road to Champions League glory is long and challenging, but for the teams that prevail, the rewards are immense.