The event to determine the quarterfinals, semifinals, and the final happened on a Friday afternoon in mid March in Switzerland. Eight teams earned spots in the draw by advancing from the round of 16, launching the path toward the 2023 trophy and the title defense once held by Eintracht Frankfurt.
As the knockout phase progresses, the emphasis is on transparency, fairness, and straightforward competition. The eight teams advancing from the round of 16 join the draw with no seeding and no matchup restrictions. This means teams from the same country might face each other, and rematches from earlier rounds can occur. The aim remains to push teams to a higher level of intensity before the final clash for the trophy.
The quarterfinal first legs are set for April 13, with the return legs scheduled for April 20. The eight clubs that earned their places in the last eight were determined by the round-of-16 ties conducted on March 9 and March 16, 2023. The eight qualifying clubs are listed here for clarity.
- Union Saint-Gilloise
- Sporting Portugal
- Bayer Leverkusen
- Roma
- Sevilla
- Manchester United
- Juventus
- Feyenoord
The process of the draw is simple and public. UEFA officials run the event at their headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland. There is no intricate pot system; the eight qualified teams are drawn sequentially to form the quarterfinal matchups. The format is designed to be open and easy for fans to follow, showing every step toward the final and identifying the team that will lift the 2023 trophy. Analysts highlight the potential for exciting matchups, including possible rematches from earlier rounds, which adds drama and strategic considerations for coaches and players. The implications extend beyond bragging rights, affecting travel plans, player workload, and tactical setup for the remainder of the campaign. The final will crown a new champion, as the defending champion is replaced by the eventual winner. This edition’s drama continues to unfold as teams push through the knockout rounds with urgency and competitive edge, a narrative watched closely by fans and pundits alike, with official coverage from UEFA and associated broadcasters providing ongoing context and analysis.