After the completion of the group stage of the tournament, 12 of the last teams will leave the competition, not advancing to the Europa League. All eight first-place teams will directly progress to the Round of 16 as First Category teams, while teams from 9th to 24th place will participate in the playoffs to determine 8 clubs that will continue battling in the Round of 16.
With the conclusion of the last tournament of the group stage, which will see 18 matches held simultaneously, the battle for spots in the playoff intensifies, and possibly, this will lead to fierce confrontations among European giants.
The new system of the Champions League, including the preliminary stage before the Round of 16, opens up opportunities for holding several strategic matches at the elimination stage.
