Manchester City is set to clash with Real Madrid in a highly anticipated Champions League play-off, while Celtic will face Bayern Munich as both teams aim to secure a spot in the last 16.
After a decisive 3-1 victory over Club Brugge, Pep Guardiola’s team managed to advance to this critical round, where they will compete against the 15-time European champions in what promises to be a thrilling encounter.
This upcoming match marks the fifth time in six seasons that City and Madrid have faced each other, following Madrid’s narrow victory over City in a penalty shootout during last year’s quarter-finals, halting City’s bid to retain the title.
With City placing second in their group, Celtic now prepares to battle against Bayern Munich, coached by former City captain Vincent Kompany. The winners of these matches will progress to meet either Atletico Madrid or Bayer Leverkusen in the knockout phase.
City’s second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu is scheduled just days before a crucial Premier League match against Liverpool, with a challenging fixture against Newcastle also lined up between the two legs against Madrid.
In other matchups, Juventus will take on PSV Eindhoven, Feyenoord is pitted against AC Milan, and Club Brugge will meet Atalanta. An all-French affair sees Brest challenging Paris Saint-Germain, while Monaco faces Benfica, with Sporting clashing against Borussia Dortmund.
The first legs of the knockout playoffs will occur on February 11-12, followed by the return legs a week later.
Upcoming Champions League Knockout Schedule
- January 31: Play-off round draw
- February 11-12 & 18-19: Play-off first and second legs
- February 21: Last-16 draw
- March 4-5 & 11-12: Last 16 first and second legs
- April 8-9 & 15-16: Quarter-final first and second legs
- April 29-30 & May 6-7: Semi-final first and second legs
- May 31: Champions League final at Allianz Arena
Confirmed Knockout Phase Play-offs
- Club Brugge vs Atalanta
- Sporting CP vs Borussia Dortmund
- Manchester City vs Real Madrid
- Celtic vs Bayern Munich
- Juventus vs PSV
- Feyenoord vs AC Milan
- Brest vs Paris Saint-Germain
- Monaco vs Benfica
Teams from the Premier League’s Future Matchups
- Liverpool (Ranked No 1): Could face the winner of PSG vs Brest or Monaco vs Benfica in the Round of 16.
- Arsenal (Ranked No 3): Expected to play against the winner of Feyenoord vs AC Milan or Juventus vs PSV.
- Aston Villa (Ranked No 8): Will encounter one of Club Brugge vs Atalanta or Sporting CP vs Borussia Dortmund in the Round of 16.
- Celtic (Ranked No 21): Facing Bayern Munich in the knockouts, potentially moving on to play Atletico Madrid or Bayer Leverkusen.
- Manchester City (Ranked No 22): Going up against Real Madrid, with the opportunity to face Atletico Madrid or Bayer Leverkusen in the next round.
Future Champions League Knockout Fixtures
- Round of 16: March 4/5 and March 11/12, 2025
- Quarter-finals: April 8/9 and April 15/16, 2025
- Semi-finals: April 29/30 and May 6/7, 2025
- Final: May 31, 2025
