🏟️🚩Champions League: Real Madrid’s Opponents in the Play-offs and Round of 16

After their 3-0 victory against Brest at the Roudourou on the final matchday of the Champions League group stage, Real Madrid now knows who they will face in the play-offs and potentially the Round of 16, should they qualify.

The defending champions, Real Madrid, will have to navigate the play-offs to secure a spot in the Round of 16. Having been defeated three times in the group stage, Carlo Ancelotti’s team had to fight until the very end to guarantee a top-eight finish, which ensures direct qualification for the knockout rounds. Despite their win over Brest, Real Madrid saw teams like Dortmund, Leverkusen, and Bayern Munich secure victories, making their path to the next round more challenging.

**Real Madrid’s Challenge in the Play-offs and Round of 16**

Finishing 12th with 15 points in the group stage, Real Madrid will face either Celtic Glasgow or Manchester City in the play-offs for a chance to reach the Round of 16. The first leg of the play-off will take place between February 11-12, 2025, and the second leg will follow on February 18-19. UEFA will conduct the final draw this Friday to determine their opponent, with the possibility of facing Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.

Although Real Madrid missed Vinícius Júnior in their match against Brest, they will need to come back stronger for the play-offs in two weeks. If they manage to qualify, Carlo Ancelotti’s side will then face either Atlético Madrid or Bayer Leverkusen in the Round of 16.

**The Play-off and Round of 16 Dates**

The first leg of the Round of 16 will take place at the Santiago Bernabéu on March 4-5, 2025, with the second leg scheduled for March 11-12, 2025, away. The final draw this Friday will reveal whether it will be City or Celtic facing Real Madrid in the upcoming play-offs.