After a thrilling finish to the UEFA Champions League's first-ever league phase, the competition will gear up to hold its inaugural knockout phase playoffs with Friday's draw. The teams that finished from ninth through 24th in the league phase will take part in the knockout phase playoffs,

The UEFA Champions League knockout round draw is Friday, with 24 of Europe's top soccer clubs entering the playoff phase. Here's what to know.

The UEFA Champions League 2024-25 playoffs are set, introducing a revamped format that replaces the traditional group stage with a league phase, ensuring high-intensity matchups from the start.  Top European clubs will now battle in a knockout-style playoff round to secure a place in the Round of 16,