The weekend is already off to a busy start with the UEFA Champions League draw for the knockout phase playoffs, and that's before an exciting batch of matches takes place across Europe. I'm Pardeep Cattry with an end-of-week check-in.

NYON, Switzerland (AP) — Draw made Friday for the knockout playoffs round in the UEFA Champions League: Atalanta (Italy) vs. Club Brugge (Belgium) – winner will play Lille or Aston Villa

The 2024-25 Champions League knockout playoff draw concluded Friday, Jan. 31 as UEFA prepares for the bracket stage of their premier competition. The teams that finished ninth through 24th in the league phase must play a two-legged playoff to advance to the next stage of the bracket.