Champions League 2024/25: New Format Explained

The Champions League 2024/25: Major Format Changes Revealed

The UEFA Champions League is set to undergo significant changes for the 2024/25 season, with alterations happening in its structure aimed at enhancing the competition. This article provides an in-depth overview of the new format, including crucial details about the league phase, qualification, fixtures, and more.

Overview of the New Format

In a major overhaul, the traditional group stage format will be replaced by a league phase that includes 36 teams, shifting from the previous 32. The total number of matches is set to rise from 125 to 189, resulting in a more extensive and competitive campaign.

Key Features of the New League Phase

Guaranteed Matches: Each participating team will now play a minimum of eight league-stage matches against different opponents - four at home and four away.
Qualification for Knockout Stages: The top eight teams in the league phase will qualify directly for the knockout rounds, while those placed ninth to 24th will enter a two-legged playoff for a spot in the Round of 16.
Elimination: Teams ranked from 25th to 36th will not progress any further in the competition.

Timeline of the 2024/25 Schedule

The following are the dates for the league-stage matches:

Matchday 1: September 17-19, 2024
Matchday 2: October 1-2, 2024
Matchday 3: October 22-23, 2024
Matchday 4: November 5-6, 2024
Matchday 5: November 26-27, 2024
Matchday 6: December 10-11, 2024
Matchday 7: January 21-22, 2025
Matchday 8: January 29, 2025

Champions League Final 2025

The final match of the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League will take place at the Allianz Arena in Munich on May 31, 2025.

Qualification and Participating Teams

The following teams have already secured their places in the league phase:

From England: Man City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Aston Villa
From Spain: Real Madrid, Barcelona, Girona, Atletico Madrid
From Germany: Leverkusen, Stuttgart, Bayern, Leipzig, Dortmund
From Italy: Inter Milan, AC Milan, Bologna, Juventus
From France: Paris Saint-Germain, Monaco, Brest
From the Netherlands: PSV Eindhoven, Feyenoord
From Portugal: Sporting CP
From Belgium: Club Brugge
From Scotland: Celtic
From Austria: Sturm Graz
Champions League winner rebalancing: Shakhtar Donetsk
Europa League winner rebalancing: Benfica

What's Next for Other UEFA Competitions?

Similar changes will also be introduced to the Europa League and Europa Conference League, with each tournament featuring 36 teams and altering their match formats. The Europa League will adopt a league phase format similar to the Champions League, with eight matches, while the Conference League will schedule six matches against different opponents.

Conclusion

These changes reflect UEFA's commitment to evolving the Champions League to provide more competitive fixtures and opportunities for teams across Europe. Fans can expect a more thrilling experience with a greater number of matches and dramatic climaxes leading up to the grand final in Munich. Stay tuned for the upcoming draws and fixtures as the new season approaches!