Champions League Knockout Play-off Draw: Real Madrid, PSG, Newcastle Among 16 Teams Competing for Last 16 Spots

The UEFA Champions League league phase has concluded, with eight teams already qualified for the round of 16. The next 16 teams, ranked 9th to 24th, will enter a knockout play-off round to determine the remaining eight spots.

Teams include Real Madrid (9th), Inter Milan (10th), PSG (11th), Newcastle (12th), and others such as Benfica (24th) and Bodo/Glimt (23rd). The draw will take place on Friday, January 30, with ties played over two legs in mid-February. Winners will advance to the round of 16, where they will face one of the top-eight seeded teams in the next draw on February 27.

Key Points:

High-profile clubs like Real Madrid and PSG face extra high-stakes matches to continue their European campaigns.
The play-off format adds intensity and unpredictability to the expanded Champions League structure.
Teams from the same country can be drawn against each other, increasing the potential for domestic rivalries.
Emerging sides like Bodo/Glimt and Qarabag have the opportunity to upset traditional European powers.
The outcome will significantly shape the round of 16, influencing the tournament’s competitive balance.

The play-off draw sets the stage for a dramatic February as clubs fight to keep their Champions League dreams alive.

Sources: UEFA, Sky Sports