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Champions League

Huge games confirmed for Champions League playoffs and Round of 16

The Champions League’s first phase is over and we now know the fixtures for the next round.

The Champions League's first phase is over and we now know the fixtures for the next round.
DAMIEN MEYERAFP

The final day of the Champions League group stage delivered two hours of suspense and dramatic swings in the standings.

When the dust settled, the biggest takeaway for Spanish soccer was that Real Madrid will face either Celtic FC or Manchester City in the Round of 32. Meanwhile, Atlético Madrid and Barcelona secured direct passage to the Round of 16.

Champions League Playoff Matchups:

  • 23rd/24th vs. 9th/10th: Sporting CP or Club Brugge vs. Atalanta or Borussia Dortmund
  • 21st/22nd vs. 11th/12th: Celtic FC or Manchester City vs. Real Madrid or Bayern Munich
  • 19th/20th vs. 13th/14th: Feyenoord or Juventus vs. AC Milan or PSV Eindhoven
  • 17th/18th vs. 15th/16th: AS Monaco or Stade Brest vs. PSG or Benfica

Manchester City secured their spot in dramatic fashion, staging a second-half comeback against Club Brugge. That sets up a tantalizing possibility: City could be Real Madrid’s opponent when the draw takes place Friday at 6:00 AM EST in Nyon, Switzerland.

The alternative? Celtic FC, who fell to Aston Villa in Birmingham. Regardless of which team emerges, Madrid can take comfort in knowing that the decisive second leg will be played at the Santiago Bernabéu. The first legs will take place on February 11-12, with the return fixtures on February 18-19.

A potential rematch between Madrid and City would be the blockbuster showdown of the next round. While City isn’t at their absolute best right now, Pep Guardiola’s squad still boasts the lethal Erling Haaland, as well as key playmakers Phil Foden and Kevin De Bruyne.

The Premier League champions will also have the advantage of registering three new winter signings—Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov, and Vítor Reis—adding fresh energy to the squad. However, City’s biggest concern remains their defense. Without midfield anchor Rodri, they’ve struggled to maintain balance, leaving them vulnerable to counterattacks. Guardiola has yet to find a tactical fix.

Champions League Round of 16 matchups:

  • Winners of 23rd/24th vs. 9th/10th vs. 7th/8th: Sporting CP/Club Brugge vs. Atalanta/Borussia Dortmund winner faces Lille or Aston Villa.
  • Winners of 21st/22nd vs. 11th/12th vs. 5th/6th: Celtic FC/Manchester City vs. Real Madrid/Bayern Munich winner faces Atlético Madrid or Bayer Leverkusen.
  • Winners of 19th/20th vs. 13th/14th vs. 3rd/4th: Feyenoord/Juventus vs. AC Milan/PSV Eindhoven winner faces Arsenal or Inter Milan.
  • Winners of 17th/18th vs. 15th/16th vs. 1st/2nd: AS Monaco/Stade Brest vs. PSG/Benfica winner faces Liverpool or Barcelona.

As for Celtic, the Scottish giants have long been a force in European soccer and remain dominant in the Scottish Premiership. They benefited from a relatively forgiving draw, facing less challenging opponents throughout the group stage. However, when put to the test against Borussia Dortmund, they suffered a brutal 7-1 defeat.

Their squad features experienced goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, as well as key Japanese internationals like Reo Hatate and Daizen Maeda. Captain Callum McGregor is the heart of the midfield, while Kuhn, Palma, and Adam Idah provide attacking firepower. However, Celtic’s biggest strength lies in their home-field advantage at Celtic Park, where their raucous fanbase creates one of the most intimidating atmospheres in Europe.

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