"The balls were drawn in Nyon, the bracket filled out. The UEFA Champions League picture took shape, but FC Barcelona stayed right where they were, watching. No playoff tie, no extra travel, no nerves, and no two-legged scramble to stay alive. Finishing in the top eight of the new Champions League league phase bought Barça a quieter February and some idea of what comes next."
"When the playoff dust settles at the end of the month, Barcelona's round of 16 opponent will come from one of two ties: AS Mónaco vs Paris Saint-Germain or Qarabag vs Newcastle. Regardless of opponent, Barça will be far from comfortable in the next round. The playoff round itself is where much of the chaos now lives. Sixteen teams that finished between ninth and 24th will fight over the remaining eight spots."
"Real were paired with Benfica, while Atlético drew Club Brugge. Both Spanish sides did earn the advantage of playing the return leg at home. First legs are scheduled for February 17 or 18, with the second legs a week later on February 24 or 25. Barcelona, meanwhile, can afford to wait. The round of 16 draw will only take place once the playoffs are complete, pushing any preparation into late February."
Barcelona finished in the top eight of the new Champions League league phase and avoided the playoff round, removing extra travel and a two-legged scramble in February. The club will learn its round-of-16 opponent after playoff ties conclude, with potential opponents coming from AS Mónaco vs PSG or Qarabag vs Newcastle. The playoffs feature 16 teams that finished ninth to 24th competing for eight spots, including Real Madrid vs Benfica and Atlético vs Club Brugge, with first legs on February 17/18 and returns on February 24/25. The delayed draw gives Barcelona extra time to manage workloads and preparation.
Read at Barca Blaugranes
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