Unlike other seasons, where there was a draw in each round, we will almost be able to know Stade Brestois' opponent after their match against Real Madrid (except in the event of a surprise qualification in the top 8).
Indeed, the progress table for the competition is already (almost) known. At the end of the league phase, the teams will be placed in pairs according to their ranking (9th and 10th together, 11th and 12th together, etc.). Then a mini draw will be carried out. Thus, the teams ranked 9th and 10th will face, depending on the draw, either the 23rd or the 24th team in the ranking. Those ranked 11th and 12th will cross paths with 21st and 22nd and so on.
Let's take a concrete example. After seven days, Brest is currently in 13th place in the rankings. If the ranking remained as such, the Bretons would face either the 19th (PSV Eindhoven) or the 20th (Club Brugge) according to a draw.
Possible clashes between teams from the same country
This formula brings a very important novelty: it will now be possible, from the play-offs, to face a team from the same championship. Thus, Stade Brestois could find itself playing for example against PSG, which was until now impossible.
The play-offs will take place in the form of two-way matches. The top seeds, the best-placed clubs in the confrontation at the end of the league matches, will host the return match. The first leg will take place on February 11 and 12 and the return leg on February 18 and 19. The draw for the round of 16, which will determine the final draw, will take place on February 21.
-Same principle for the round of 16
For the round of 16, where the teams ranked 1 to 8 will compete, the principle will be the same. There will be a mini four-way draw. The 1st and 2nd will draw lots between two jump-off competitors, the 3rd and 4th also, etc.
Then, the progress table will be like for a competition like the Euro or the World Cup. There will only be a draw to determine who receives first.
