UEFA Introduces New Knockout Format for European Competitions

The revamped structure debuts with the Conference League playoffs draw, featuring seeded pairings and dramatic last-minute qualifiers.

The UEFA Conference League playoffs draw has introduced a new knockout format, pairing teams seeded based on their league-phase standings in a tennis-style bracket.
Chelsea, as league leaders with a perfect record, and the other top-eight finishers automatically advance to the round of 16, bypassing the play-off stage.
The 16 teams ranked ninth to 24th in the standings will compete in two-leg playoffs on February 13 and 20, with eight winners advancing to the round of 16.
Key matchups include Copenhagen hosting Heidenheim, Gent facing Real Betis, and a domestic Cypriot derby between Omonoia and Pafos.
Shamrock Rovers made history as the first Irish team to reach a UEFA competition knockout stage and will face Molde, who secured their spot with a dramatic stoppage-time goal in the final league round.