How does the Champions League knockout play-off draw work?

The 2024/25 UEFA Champions League has certainly shaken things up with its new format. The change from the traditional group stage to the "Swiss model" league phase has added some interesting twists to the tournament.

What happened in the league phase?

The 36 teams played against each other in a round-robin style, but with fewer group-stage constraints, each team had the flexibility to face a variety of opponents. In the end, 24 teams emerged as the qualifiers for the knockout stage.
Automatic Qualification & Play-Off Round

The top eight teams in the league phase automatically moved into the last 16, which gives them a considerable advantage, as they bypass the play-off round.
The remaining teams, finishing 9th to 24th, will now face off in a two-legged knockout play-off. This round will determine the final eight teams to join the top eight in the last 16.
What's next?

The knockout play-off draw will pit teams against each other based on their positions, with those finishing 9th to 16th playing against those finishing 17th to 24th.
Winners of these two-legged ties will secure their spots in the last 16 and continue their journey toward the final.
This new structure promises to bring more unpredictability and drama to the competition. If you’re following your favorite team, the play-off round will be crucial—lose, and you’re out.