The knockout phases of the Champions League will quickly get underway.
The draw for the Champions League spherical of 16 will happen on Friday (Picture: Getty)
- The draw for the Champions League spherical of 16 and subsequent bracket pairings are scheduled for Friday, February 27. The ceremony will happen at UEFA’s headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland, beginning at 11am (UK time). This may set up the complete path by means of the quarter-finals and semi-finals for all remaining groups.
- Six Premier League golf equipment are set to function within the knockout phases. Whereas Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester Metropolis and Tottenham certified straight by ending within the high eight of the league part, Newcastle and Chelsea should navigate the play-off spherical to affix them within the ultimate 16.
- After a dominant 6-1 first-leg victory over Qarabag, Newcastle are all however sure to progress. Barring a historic collapse within the return leg, Eddie Howe’s facet will enter the draw the place they’re already assured to face both Spanish giants Barcelona or Premier League rivals Chelsea.
- A number of heavyweights are nonetheless preventing for his or her spots this week. Key second-leg fixtures embody Actual Madrid internet hosting Benfica and Juventus touring to Galatasaray. These play-off winners will probably be unseeded within the draw, paired towards the high-ranking ‘seeded’ groups who completed within the high eight.
- Beneath the brand new format, the bracket is break up into two halves, figuring out potential future match-ups early. In a large home twist, Liverpool may face Newcastle or Chelsea within the quarter-finals, whereas Arsenal discover themselves on a collision course the place they might face Manchester Metropolis.
- Groups that completed within the high eight in the course of the group stage benefit from the benefit of being ‘seeded’. This ensures they’re drawn towards a play-off winner relatively than one other top-eight finisher, theoretically offering a smoother path into the quarter-finals earlier than the draw turns into fully open.
- The knockout motion resumes rapidly following the draw. The last-16 first legs are set for March 10-11, with the second legs following on March 17-18. Followers may look ahead to April quarter-finals and the semi-finals starting in late April to determine the finalists.
- All roads result in the Allianz Area in Germany for the showpiece occasion. The 2026 ultimate is scheduled for Could 30. With 5 or 6 English groups probably within the combine, there’s a vital probability of an all-Premier League ultimate in Bavaria.
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