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Champions League Playoff Draw Set for February 5th

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, January 22nd 2026 at 0:15 GMT by Sporting News
      Locale: AUSTRIA, BELGIUM, SWITZERLAND, GERMANY, DENMARK, SPAIN, FRANCE, UNITED KINGDOM, GREECE, ITALY, NETHERLANDS, POLAND, PORTUGAL, ROMANIA, Serbia, RUSSIAN FEDERATION, SLOVENIA, TURKEY, UKRAINE

The Draw: Monday, February 5th, 2024

The crucial draw, determining the pairings for this pivotal round, will take place on Monday, February 5th, 2024, at UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland. Fans worldwide can tune in to witness the proceedings, which are scheduled to commence at 12:00 PM EST (5:00 PM GMT). The draw's significance lies in its completely open format - a deviation from the usual seeding and country protection that characterize earlier Champions League rounds. This means any team can be drawn against any other, guaranteeing unpredictable and potentially explosive matchups.

Who's Involved? A Look at the Contenders

This playoff round isn't just about second chances; it's a testament to consistent performance throughout the group stages. Eight teams finished in third place in their respective Champions League groups, earning them a place in this playoff round. These include established European clubs like Feyenoord, Galatasaray, SC Braga, Benfica, Red Star Belgrade, Young Boys, Shakhtar Donetsk, and PSV Eindhoven. Their presence immediately injects a high level of competition.

Adding to the excitement are eight teams who finished as runners-up in the Europa League group stages. These are: Brighton & Hove Albion, Roma, Atalanta, Olympique Marseille, Molde, Real Betis, Qarabag, and FC Porto. Brighton's participation, in particular, is a noteworthy development, marking their first-ever involvement in a Champions League playoff.

Understanding the Open Draw - The Key to Excitement

The truly distinctive characteristic of this playoff draw is its complete lack of seeding and country protection. Unlike the traditional Champions League draw, there are no predetermined advantages. Teams from the same country can be drawn against each other, and the higher-ranked teams are not shielded from facing the perceived 'weaker' sides. This system promotes unpredictability and allows for intriguing contests that wouldn't normally be possible. The result is a level playing field where form on the day will be paramount.

The Fixtures: February 15th & 22nd, 2024

Following the draw, the playoff matches themselves will be swift and intense. The first leg of each tie is scheduled for February 15th, 2024, while the return leg will take place on February 22nd, 2024. This tight schedule means teams will need to be at their peak physical and tactical readiness to navigate these crucial encounters.

Why the Playoff Round Matters

The Champions League Knockout Playoff round serves multiple important functions. It provides a pathway back into the Champions League for teams that might have faltered slightly during the group stages. It also offers a significant financial boost for the participating teams, who stand to gain considerable revenue from reaching the Round of 16. For the fans, it injects a dose of unpredictability and excitement into the competition, offering a glimpse of potential future Champions League stars.

As the playoff draw approaches, anticipation is building. Which teams will emerge victorious from this unpredictable round? And which familiar names will be ousted from Europe's premier club competition? Only time will tell.