The UEFA Champions League gears up for an exciting Round of 16 draw, set to take place on Friday, February 21, 2025, at 12:00 CET in Nyon, Switzerland. This pivotal event will decide the matchups between the top eight teams from the league phase and the eight winners from the knockout phase play-offs.
Knockout Phase Play-offs Recap
The knockout phase play-offs delivered thrilling moments as teams battled for a coveted spot in the next round. Here’s a rundown of the results:
Paris Saint-Germain vs. Brest: PSG displayed total dominance, securing a 10-0 aggregate win, including a 3-0 away triumph in the first leg.
Real Madrid vs. Manchester City: In a blockbuster tie, Real Madrid prevailed with a 6-3 aggregate victory. Kylian Mbappé stole the show with a hat-trick during their 3-1 second-leg win at the Santiago Bernabéu.
PSV Eindhoven vs. Juventus: PSV staged a stunning comeback, overturning a first-leg deficit to win 4-3 on aggregate. Defender Ryan Flamingo’s extra-time goal sealed a 3-1 second-leg victory, sending Juventus home.
Feyenoord vs. AC Milan: Feyenoord achieved an upset, advancing with a 2-1 aggregate win. A 1-0 home victory and a 1-1 draw at San Siro secured their spot in the next round.
Bayern Munich vs. Celtic: Bayern overcame a spirited Celtic side, advancing with a 3-2 aggregate score. Alphonso Davies was instrumental, scoring a crucial late equalizer in the second leg.
Club Brugge vs. Atalanta: Club Brugge outclassed Atalanta, claiming a 5-2 aggregate victory with wins in both legs.
Borussia Dortmund vs. Sporting CP: Dortmund sailed through with a 3-0 aggregate win, capped by a convincing second-leg performance.
Benfica vs. AS Monaco: In a nail-biting contest, Benfica edged Monaco with a 4-3 aggregate score after a dramatic 3-3 second-leg draw.
Teams Advancing to the Round of 16
The following teams have booked their places in the next stage:
Seeded Teams (Top 8 from League Phase):
Liverpool (England)
Barcelona (Spain)
Arsenal (England)
Inter Milan (Italy)
Atlético Madrid (Spain)
Bayer Leverkusen (Germany)
Lille (France)
Aston Villa (England)
Unseeded Teams (Knockout Phase Play-off Winners):
Paris Saint-Germain (France)
Real Madrid (Spain)
PSV Eindhoven (Netherlands)
Feyenoord (Netherlands)
Bayern Munich (Germany)
Club Brugge (Belgium)
Borussia Dortmund (Germany)
Benfica (Portugal)
Round of 16 Details
The draw will pair seeded teams with unseeded teams, promising captivating matchups as Europe’s elite continue their quest for continental glory. Notably, teams from the same national association may face each other, adding a layer of unpredictability and drama.
The first legs of the Round of 16 are slated for March 4 and 5, with the return legs scheduled for March 11 and 12, 2025. Fans worldwide eagerly await the outcomes as the road to the final at the Allianz Arena in Munich on May 31, 2025, unfolds.
