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Saturday, February 15, 2025

Title: FC Bayern Benefits from Lucky Draw: Faces Celtic Instead of Man City in Champions League

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FC Bayern Munich aims for the Champions League title and faces Celtic Glasgow in the next round, avoiding tougher opponents like Manchester City. Borussia Dortmund will play against Sporting Lisbon. The new tournament structure features a series of changes aimed at increasing excitement and revenue while addressing previous issues. Bayer Leverkusen awaits their opponent, and the draw for the round of 16 will occur on February 21, determining home advantages for subsequent rounds.

FC Bayern Munich is determined to claim the Champions League title, and fortune favors them in the latest draw: instead of facing a formidable opponent, they will go up against Celtic Glasgow. Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund has drawn Sporting Lisbon.

Following an intense conclusion to the group stage featuring 18 simultaneous matches, the draw has outlined the next steps in the Champions League, which has undergone a format change this season.

It was already known that FC Bayern would either meet Manchester City or Celtic Glasgow, and they have skillfully sidestepped their first major hurdle. Vincent Kompany, in his inaugural international knockout match as Bayern’s coach, will encounter Celtic rather than his former club. In contrast, Real Madrid is set to clash with Manchester City in a highly anticipated matchup.

Celtic embodies ‘passion and fighting spirit, and it will be a significant challenge. Our objective is clear: to advance to the round of 16, and we must give our all in both matches’, stated Bayern’s sporting director Max Eberl.

For Borussia Dortmund, the other Bundesliga team in the playoffs, the choice was between Sporting Lisbon and FC Brugge, and they will face Sporting. ‘It will be a closely matched duel, but with the second leg at home, we are confident about our chances’, remarked BVB’s sporting director Sebastian Kehl.

Champions League Intermediate Round Overview

Here’s a look at the tournament structure for the Champions League playoffs.

Leverkusen Anticipates a Top Team

While VfB Stuttgart and RB Leipzig have exited the tournament, Bayer Leverkusen is eagerly awaiting their draw. Although the Werkself has already secured a spot in the round of 16, they won’t know their opponent until later; it could potentially be one of Bayern’s group, including Manchester City, Real Madrid, or Celtic.

If Dortmund advances, they could face either or the surprising French team OSC Lille in the round of 16.

The final matchday of the new Champions League format produced a whirlwind of goal notifications that left many viewers confused. While the new format addresses some previous issues, it also introduces new complexities.

What Happens After the Draw?

The eight winners will progress to the round of 16, where the top eight teams are already confirmed. The draw will take place on February 21, following the established principles (with table positions in parentheses).

In this round, teams occupying positions 1 to 8 will enjoy home advantage in the second leg. Additionally, home advantage for the quarter-finals and semi-finals will also be determined during the draw on February 21.

Why Are These Changes Necessary?

The new format is part of a broader reform of the European Cup for the 2024/25 season. UEFA aims to combat the trend where many outcomes are decided before the final group stage match. While the new format adds excitement, it still features teams with nothing at stake, as seen in the match between Sturm Graz and RB Leipzig.

This revamped Champions League format is also designed to enhance revenue, but it may further widen the financial gap in European football.

When Will the Remaining Matches Take Place?

A view of the stadium in Munich.

Understanding ‘Draw Pairs’

The ‘draw pairs’ system is implemented to prevent teams from intentionally attempting to qualify for an easier segment of the tournament tree.

This principle also provides an organizational solution across the three European competitions to exclude politically sensitive matchups. This is particularly relevant for encounters involving teams from Azerbaijan and Armenia, or from Kosovo and Serbia.

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