Potential Champions League Knockout Phase Play-offs

The new format of the Champions League moves to the next part in which there is now a knockout phase play-offs for the teams that finished in positions 9-24.  The winners of these matchups will move to the last 16.

With the first legs scheduled for 11/12 February and the return fixtures on 18/19 February 2025, the games are less than 2 weeks away.  Some of the potential matches have an historic rivalry, a and some will be a clash of attacking styles. We will list some of the standout games that could potentially be made at the draw tomorrow.

Sporting CP vs Borussia Dortmund

• Sporting CP and Borussia Dortmund faced each other in the 2021/22 Champions League group stage with both teams winning one game each.
• The Portuguese side will aim to make the most of their home advantage in the first leg, knowing Dortmund’s away form has been inconsistent in recent seasons.
• Dortmund will be favourites for the tie but will need to be wary of Sporting’s counter-attacking ability for them to progress.
• Both teams have experience in European knockout football, with Sporting keen to prove they can compete at this level after finishing 23rd in the new group campaign.

Tickets for the Dortmund vs Sporting CP game in Dortmund can be found here on FanSeats as soon as the draw is made.

Sporting CP vs Atalanta

• Sporting CP and Atalanta from Italy will meet in the knockout phase for the first time, with both sides known for their high-energy football.
• Atalanta’s recent European form has been impressive, reaching the Europa League final in 2024, while Sporting have proven their quality in previous Champions League campaigns.
• Sporting will look to their home crowd for inspiration, especially given Atalanta’s mixed record away from Italy in European competitions.
• Keep an eye on star Atalanta player Ademola Lookman who has the potential to cause Sporting Lisbon big problems with his skills.

Celtic vs Real Madrid

• Celtic and Real Madrid last met in the 2022/23 group stage, where Madrid secured two victories, including a dominant 5-1 win at the Bernabéu.
• The Scottish champions will need a strong performance at home, as Madrid’s experience in knockout football makes them formidable opponents.
• Real Madrid will be favourites to progress to the last 16, but Celtic Park’s amazing atmosphere has troubled many top European teams in the past.
• Celtic will rely on their disciplined defensive shape to contain Real Madrid’s star-filled attack while looking for opportunities on the counter.
• If Celtic can avoid conceding early in either leg, they may have a chance to push Los Blancos all the way.

But tickets for this classic matchup Celtic FC vs Real Madrid CF right here on FanSeats.

Manchester City vs Real Madrid

• Manchester City and Real Madrid have developed a fierce European rivalry in recent seasons, meeting in the semi-finals in both 2022 and 2023, with each team winning once.
• City famously dismantled Madrid 4-0 at the Etihad in 2023, a performance they will hope to replicate in this tie.
• Madrid, however, are Champions League specialists and will be confident of finding a way through, especially with their history in two-legged ties.
• City’s attack will be key, but their defence will need to be sharp against Madrid’s counter-attacking play.
• With both teams expected to be among the tournament favourites, this could be one of the standout ties of the knockout round.
• Players to watch: Bellingham, Foden and Haaland

This could potentially be the tie of the round with two of the best teams in Europe, both recent winners of the competition. Buy Man City vs Real Madrid tickets here as soon as any game is announced.

Celtic vs Bayern Munich

• Celtic and Bayern Munich last met in the 2017/18 group stage, where Bayern won 2-1 at Celtic Park and 3-0 in Germany.
• The Scottish side will need a near-perfect performance to compete with Bayern, who have consistently reached the latter stages of the competition.
• Bayern’s attacking options could prove difficult for Celtic’s defence, with pace and movement likely to stretch them across both legs.
• A strong defensive display at Celtic Park could give them hope, but Bayern’s quality over two legs will make this a tough challenge.

Tickets to watch Celtic vs Bayern at Celtic Park will be high demand, get them here when the fixture is official.

Manchester City vs Bayern Munich

• Manchester City and Bayern Munich have met frequently in recent years, including in the 2022/23 quarter-finals, where City won 4-1 on aggregate.
• Bayern will look to avenge that defeat, but City’s home record in Europe makes them favourites to take control of the tie early.
• Pep Guardiola will come up against his former club again and former city player Vincent Kompany, adding another layer of intrigue to this contest.
• This fixture promises to be a tactical battle, with both teams possessing the quality to reach the latter stages of the competition.

Another heavyweight match between two giants of European football. Get tickets here for every Man City vs Bayern match.

Juventus vs PSV

• Juventus and PSV have not met in the Champions League in recent years, making this an intriguing clash between two historic European clubs.
• Juventus will be aiming to re-establish themselves as a top contender in Europe after recent struggles.
• PSV’s attacking style could test Juventus’ defensive discipline, especially in the first leg in Eindhoven.
• Juventus’ experience in tight knockout ties may give them an edge, but they cannot afford to underestimate PSV’s quality.
• The tie could be evenly balanced, with the outcome likely depending on who takes their chances over the two legs.

Feyenoord vs AC Milan

• Feyenoord and AC Milan have not faced each other in the Champions League in recent years, but both teams have strong European traditions.
• Milan’s experience in knockout football gives them an advantage, but Feyenoord have been strong at home in recent European campaigns.
• The Dutch side will need a disciplined defensive performance to contain Milan’s attacking threats.
• Milan will look to control possession, while Feyenoord may focus on quick counter-attacks and set-pieces.
• With both teams eager to progress, this tie could be closely contested across the two legs.

 

The knockout play-offs are set to bring plenty of excitement, with some huge clashes and a few potential surprises along the way. Man City and Real Madrid meet again in what’s becoming a classic European rivalry, while Celtic and Sporting CP will be looking to cause an upset. Every team has something to fight for, and with a place in the last 16 up for grabs, expect drama over both legs. If you’re looking for tickets to any of these games, all games will be listed here.