The New UEFA Champions League Format

The UEFA Champions League has introduced a new format for the 2024-25 season, marking the first significant change in 21 years. This new structure aims to enhance competition and provide more thrilling matches throughout the tournament.

Key Changes in the Format

• Expanded Field: The number of participating teams has increased from 32 to 36.
• League Phase: Instead of traditional groups, all 36 teams are placed in a single league table.
• Fixture Structure: Each team plays eight fixtures, four at home and four away.
• Knockout Phase: Teams ranked 9 to 24 enter the knockout phase playoffs in February, while the top eight teams advance directly to the round of 16.

How the Draw Works

The draw for the League Phase is conducted differently to accommodate the expanded field. Teams are divided into four pots based on their UEFA club coefficient. Each team is drawn to play two opponents from each pot, ensuring a balanced fixture list.

Pot 1: Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Internazionale, Chelsea, Borussia Dortmund, Barcelona

Pot 2: Arsenal, Bayer Leverkusen, Atlético Madrid, Benfica, Atalanta, Villarreal, Juventus, Eintracht Frankfurt, Club Brugge

Pot 3: Tottenham Hotspur, PSV Eindhoven, Ajax, Napoli, Sporting CP, Olympiacos, Slavia Prague, Bodo/Glimt, Marseille

Pot 4: F.C. København, AS Monaco, Galatasaray, Union St.-Gilloise, FK Qarabag, Athletic Club, Newcastle United, Pafos, Kairat Almaty

Fixture Creation and Matchdays

The draw creates individual eight-game fixture lists for each team, with matches spread across eight matchdays. The League Phase concludes in January, with the knockout phase playoffs beginning in February.

Matchday Schedule:

• Matchday 1: Sept. 16-18
• Matchday 2: Sept. 30 - Oct. 1
• Matchday 3: Oct. 21-22
• Matchday 4: Nov. 4-5
• Matchday 5: Nov. 25-26
• Matchday 6: Dec. 9-10
• Matchday 7: Jan. 20-21
• Matchday 8: Jan. 28

Knockout Rounds and Bracket

The knockout phase playoffs determine which teams advance to the round of 16. The bracket is set based on the League Phase rankings, with no country protection in place, allowing for potential early heavyweight clashes.

Home Advantage in Knockouts

UEFA has adjusted the rules for home advantage in the knockout rounds. Teams ranked 1-4 are guaranteed to play the second leg at home in the round of 16 and quarterfinals, with teams ranked 1-2 having priority in the semifinals.

Conclusion

The new UEFA Champions League format promises to deliver more exciting and competitive matches, with a balanced fixture list and a fairer draw process. Fans can look forward to a thrilling season of European football.