The 2024/25 UEFA Champions League season introduces a revamped format, expanding to 36 teams in a single league phase followed by an extended knockout stage. With the competition nearing the round of 16, several clubs have emerged as front-runners, while others face uphill battles to secure European glory.
After completing two rounds of this intriguing new format, we are entering the hardest phase for most of the clubs. We did get some interesting matchups and games that we would have hoped to get a little bit later in the competition. But those are the team’s faults as they did not adapt to the new format as early as possible.
Nevertheless, there are some that have and are now viable Champions League 2024/25 main contenders, which we want to emphasize today.
Liverpool
Liverpool finished atop the league phase standings, showcasing dominance with commanding victories over Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen. Their high-pressing style, orchestrated by manager new manager Arne Slot, has been bolstered by a deep squad capable of rotating key players without sacrificing quality. Mohamed Salah remains pivotal, but younger talents like Harvey Elliott have stepped up in crucial moments.
With eight wins in the league phase, Liverpool’s consistency and tactical flexibility make them strong favourites. Unfortunately for them, they will be going up against PSG in the Round of 16, making this one of the most intriguing matchups of this phase.
Barcelona
Barcelona secured second place in the league phase, relying on a fluid attacking trio of Robert Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal, and Raphinha. Defensive improvements under Hansi Flick, particularly through Ronald Araújo’s leadership, have reduced vulnerabilities. However, their reliance on young stars raises questions about handling high-pressure knockout matches. Their direct path to the round of 16 offers a slight advantage over playoff survivors.
Nonetheless, the matchup against Benfica is everything but easy. They faced the Eagles in the past in the Champions League and know exactly what they are up against. Hansi Flick’s men can’t afford to loosen up in this stage of the competition as this could be a pivotal matchup for them.
Real Madrid
Despite a turbulent league phase, Real Madrid eliminated Manchester City in the playoffs, propelled by Kylian Mbappé’s hat-trick in the second leg. Their experience in European competitions—15 titles and counting—gives them an intangible edge. Carlo Ancelotti’s tactical adjustments, including deploying Jude Bellingham in a deeper role, have revitalised their midfield. While not as dominant as in past seasons, their pedigree makes them perennial threats.
Things are not getting any easier for them in the Round of 16 as they will be playing the Madrid Derby. Atletico Madrid is an opponent that can defeat anyone on their best day, and Real Madrid can easily be one of them.
Arsenal
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, unbeaten in the league phase, combines defensive solidity with creative flair. Declan Rice’s midfield presence and Bukayo Saka’s attacking contributions have been instrumental. The Gunners face PSV Eindhoven in the round of 16, a favourable draw given PSV’s reliance on late goals in the playoffs. Arsenal’s lack of Champions League experience, however, could test their composure in tighter matches.
Round of 16 Draw and Key Matchups
The 2024/25 Champions League round of 16 features a mix of heavyweight clashes and underdog stories, with eight ties determined by February’s draw. Below is a full breakdown of the matchups, which will see the first legs played on 4-5 March and the second legs on 11-12 March.
- PSV Eindhoven vs Arsenal: A test of Arsenal’s defensive discipline against PSV’s playoff resilience.
- Borussia Dortmund vs Lille: Lille’s league-phase consistency meets Dortmund’s playoff grit.
- Bayern Munich vs Bayer Leverkusen: A Bundesliga showdown between Germany’s top two clubs.
- Real Madrid vs Atlético Madrid: A fiery Madrid derby, with Real seeking revenge for recent domestic cup defeats.
- Benfica vs Barcelona: Barça’s rebuilt defence faces Benfica’s counter-attacking threat.
- Paris Saint-Germain vs Liverpool: A battle between PSG’s Kylian Mbappé and Liverpool’s high-pressing system.
- Club Brugge vs Aston Villa: Villa’s first Champions League knockout tie in 42 years against Brugge’s playoff heroes.
- Feyenoord vs Inter Milan: Inter’s tournament experience clashes with Feyenoord’s energetic style.
