Which teams have qualified for UEFA Champions League Round of 16? Clubs in 2024/25 knockout phase or playoffs and possible opponents

A New Era in the UEFA Champions League

The 2024/25 UEFA Champions League marks a significant shift in the tournament’s format, with a complete overhaul of the qualification process for the knockout stage. Gone are the days of the traditional group stage, where clubs were confined to competing against just three other teams in their pod. Now, all 35 clubs battle it out in a single, unified table, playing eight matches each to determine their fates. The top eight teams in this league phase earn a direct berth to the Round of 16, bypassing the playoff round and securing a seeded draw. This new format not only adds a layer of excitement but also ensures that every match matters, from the very first whistle to the final whistle of the last game.

The First to Secure a Round of 16 Spot

Liverpool, the storied English club, was the first to clinch a coveted position in the Round of 16. Their home victory over French side Lille in late January was decisive, mathematically securing them one of the top eight spots in the league phase. This early achievement is a testament to the team’s resilience and quality, as well as a strategic advantage, allowing them to focus on other competitions without the pressure of a playoff match. Joining them in the top eight was Barcelona, which secured their spot with a thrilling 96th-minute winner from Raphinha, ensuring their passage a week before the final matchday. These two clubs will face opponents who finished lower in the table, giving them a slightly easier path through the knockout rounds.

The Thrilling Final Matchday

The final matchday of the league phase was nothing short of spectacular, with six teams vying for the remaining top four spots. Arsenal and Inter Milan emerged victorious, securing their positions in the top eight and thus avoiding the playoff round. This achievement is particularly noteworthy for both clubs. Arsenal, under the leadership of Mikel Arteta, has been on a steady rise, and their qualification is a sign of their growing strength. Inter Milan, with its rich history and recent resurgence, also secured a valuable spot that ensures they won’t meet each other until the semifinals at the earliest. The sides they can now face in the Round of 16 are listed in the table below:

The Knockout Playoff Round

For the teams that finished between 9th and 24th in the league phase, the road to the Round of 16 involves a nerve-wracking playoff round. The top 16 teams in this bracket were seeded in the playoff draw and will have the home advantage in the second leg. Feyenoord, the Dutch giants, became the first club to secure a spot in the Round of 16 via the playoffs, stunning AC Milan in Italy. Despite winning the first leg 1-0, Feyenoord took full advantage of Theo Hernandez’s red card to secure a 1-1 draw in the second leg, advancing on a 2-1 aggregate score. Their path in the Round of 16 will see them face either Arsenal or Inter Milan, two formidable opponents.

The Playoff Teams and Their Challenges

Below the top eight, the next 16 teams have their work cut out for them in the knockout playoffs. Every team in this bracket was officially confirmed only on the final matchday, with the standings fluctuating dramatically during the last games. Here is the list of playoff teams and the opponents they will face:

Each of these teams will need to bring their best form to ensure they progress to the Round of 16, where they will face tough competition.

The New Format’s Success

The reorganization of the UEFA Champions League into a single table for the league phase has been a resounding success. Fans have been treated to a more dynamic and intense competition, with every match carrying significant weight. The new format has also introduced a level of unpredictability, with underdog teams like Feyenoord and Brest putting up stiff resistance against some of the continent’s giants. This has not only made the tournament more exciting but also more reflective of the current balance of power in European football. The teams that have already secured their spots in the Round of 16 are just the beginning; the playoff matches promise to deliver even more thrilling football as clubs fight for their chance to continue in the tournament.

Teams Eliminated from the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League

Despite the best efforts of many clubs, the bottom eight teams in the league phase have been eliminated from European competition altogether. This includes sides like Anderlecht, Eintracht Frankfurt, and Ajax, all of whom failed to secure the necessary points to advance. The elimination of these traditionally strong teams highlights the competitive nature of the new format, where every match is a crucial battle. While these clubs will not be competing in the knockout stages, their performances in the league phase have certainly left a mark, and they will be eager to return stronger in the future.