An unprecedented evening of Champions League action awaits, with 18 matches kicking off simultaneously to determine which teams will advance directly to the round of 16, which will proceed to the playoffs, and which will bid farewell to the competition. The complete picture will only emerge at 11 PM when the final whistle blows and the general classification is updated. Four Italian teams – Inter, Milan, Atalanta, and Juventus – will play starring roles in this dramatic conclusion.
All Teams in Action at 9 PM
For the first time in Champions League history, all teams will face off on the same day at the same time. The 18 matches scheduled for this evening at 9 PM include high-stakes encounters such as Aston Villa vs. Celtic, Barcelona vs. Atalanta, and Manchester City vs. Club Brugge, among others.
Playoffs and Draw System
Once the final matchday concludes, the general classification will reveal which teams must compete in the playoffs. The new format introduces a single additional draw to compose a tennis-style bracket from the playoffs through to the final in Munich, starting with the clubs ranked 9th to 24th.
Key Dates
After the group stage, the competition will proceed as follows:
– Playoffs: February 11/12 (first leg) and February 18/19 (return leg)
– Round of 16: March 4/5 (first leg) and March 11/12 (return leg)
– Quarter-finals: April 8/9 (first leg) and April 15/16 (return leg)
– Semi-finals: April 29/30 (first leg) and May 6/7 (return leg)
– Final: May 31, 2025 – Allianz Arena, Munich
Italian Teams’ Prospects
Inter, Milan, Atalanta, and Juventus have already secured qualification for the Champions League playoffs. While the Lombard teams are within reach of direct qualification to the round of 16, Juventus needs a miracle to achieve the same.
Probability of Success
According to Opta’s supercomputer, it’s possible to create a ranking of each team’s chances of finishing first, in the top 8, in the playoff zone, or being eliminated entirely.
Financial Implications
The new edition of the Champions League has increased the revenue for participating teams. For instance, Inter, by confirming fourth position, can already count on €85 million, with an additional €2.1 million if they defeat Monaco. Milan, though slightly lower, still stands to earn a considerable sum: €73 million for maintaining 6th place, plus another €2.1 million for a win in Zagreb. Atalanta’s prize money is around €77 million, potentially rising to €79 million with a victory over Barcelona. Juventus, currently in 17th place, stands at €63 million (€65 million with a win against Benfica).
