How the Knockout Play-offs Work

The top eight cruise into the Round of 16. The bottom twelve go home. In between sits the new format's cruellest, most thrilling invention: the knockout play-offs for teams ranked 9th to 24th.

Seeded vs unseeded

The sixteen play-off teams split by league position: 9th–16th are seeded, 17th–24th are unseeded. Each seeded club is paired with an unseeded one over two legs, with the seeded team hosting the second leg — a small reward for finishing higher.

Win and you're in

The eight winners advance to the Round of 16, where the top eight are waiting. Lose, and your European season ends there.

Why it changes everything

Now, finishing just outside the top eight throws you into a knockout tie before the "real" knockouts even begin — extra jeopardy, extra drama, extra nights that matter.

See your path: simulate the season, fill the table, and watch the play-off bracket form from your results.