Champions League Last 16 Draw: Date, Format, and Match Schedule

Champions League Play-Offs Conclude, Last 16 Draw Approaches

The inaugural Champions League play-off round has now concluded, marking the next exciting phase in Europe’s premier and newly revamped club competition. With the play-offs wrapped up, all attention shifts to the highly anticipated last 16 draw, where some of the biggest clubs in football will discover their next opponents.

Over the course of the competition, the field has been trimmed significantly, with 20 teams already eliminated since the beginning of the league phase in September. Some high-profile clubs have fallen by the wayside, while others continue their pursuit of European glory.

As we edge closer to the knockout rounds, the last 16 is set to deliver the trademark drama and high-intensity clashes that define elite-level football. Fans can expect a selection of blockbuster fixtures that will shape the path to the final.

When is the Champions League Last 16 Draw?

The Champions League last 16 draw is scheduled to take place at 11:00 GMT on Friday, 21 February, at the House of European Football in Nyon, Switzerland.

Fans eager to follow the draw live can watch the proceedings via UEFA’s official website, where it will be streamed in real-time.

How Does the Champions League Last 16 Draw Work?

The last 16 draw will match the eight Champions League play-off winners against the eight highest-ranked teams from the league phase. This process ensures a balanced and competitive knockout stage.

The top-eight seeded teams that qualified directly to the last 16 will be paired with one of two pre-determined opponents, which were determined during the knockout play-off draw. The key rules for the draw include:

• Clubs will be matched based on their final league phase standings, with teams ranked 1st to 8th facing a designated play-off winner.
• No teams from the same domestic league can be drawn against each other at this stage.
• The first team drawn in each pairing will play the first leg away and host the second leg at home.
• The draw will also determine each club’s position in the tournament bracket, which ultimately shapes the road to the final.

Potential Champions League Last 16 Fixtures

The top eight teams that secured automatic qualification to the last 16 already know their potential opponents. However, their exact matchups will only be confirmed after the draw.

When Will the Champions League Last 16 Matches Be Played?

Following the draw, the Champions League action will resume in March with the last 16 ties. The schedule for these highly anticipated fixtures is as follows:

Champions League Last 16 Match Dates:

• First Legs: 4-5 March
• Second Legs: 11-12 March

Each team will play one match on a Tuesday and the other on a Wednesday, ensuring a balanced fixture schedule across the two weeks.

Champions League Knockout Round Schedule:

Champions League Final 2025: The Road to Glory

The climax of the competition, the 2025 UEFA Champions League final, will be played on 31 May at a venue yet to be confirmed. As the tournament progresses, the elite clubs of Europe will battle it out for a place in this prestigious event, aiming to etch their name in football history.

Stay tuned for more updates as the knockout stages of the Champions League unfold, with thrilling encounters, tactical masterclasses, and moments of pure footballing brilliance set to define the competition once again.