In the knockout phase play-offs, where a team finishes between 9th and 24th in the league table makes a big difference. Here's how it works:
The Importance of Rankings
Teams finishing 9th to 16th: These are the seeded teams in the knockout phase play-off draw.
Teams finishing 17th to 24th: These are the unseeded teams.
Seeded teams get two key advantages:
1. They face a lower-ranked, unseeded opponent.
2. They play the second leg of the play-off at home.
How the Draw Works
Teams are paired into specific brackets:
9th and 10th will face either 23rd or 24th.
11th and 12th will face either 21st or 22nd.
These fixtures are drawn into opposite halves of the draw to ensure balance.
Example
A team finishing 9th will play either the team in 23rd or 24th, with the second leg at home.
A team finishing 24th will face a much stronger opponent (9th or 10th) and play the decisive second leg away.
Why Finishing Higher Matters
Higher rankings offer a more favorable match-up and the psychological and tactical advantage of hosting the second leg.
Falling into the lower bracket (17th to 24th) often means tougher opponents and more challenging conditions.
No Champions League Drop-Ins
For the first time, teams eliminated from the Champions League will not drop into the Europa League. This means every team in the knockout phase earned its place through the league standings.
Finishing as high as possible in the standings significantly increases a team's chances of advancing, making every point in the league phase critical.
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