Champions League Group Stage Draw: Dates, Teams & Match Info for Man City, Arsenal, Liverpool & More

2024/25 UEFA Champions League: Group Stage Draw Details

The excitement is palpable as we approach the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League group stage draw. Clubs like Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Aston Villa, and Celtic are eagerly anticipating the unveiling of their opponents in this prestigious tournament.

When is the Draw?

The Champions League group stage draw will be held on Thursday, August 29 at 5:00 PM (BST). This highly anticipated event will take place in the beautiful city of Monaco.

Who Will Be in the Draw?

A total of 29 teams have qualified automatically for the group stage. Among these, 25 teams secured their spots through their performance in the 2023/24 league season. Notable entries include:

• England: Arsenal, Aston Villa, Liverpool, Manchester City
• Spain: Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Girona, Real Madrid
• Germany: Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen, Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig, Stuttgart
• Italy: AC Milan, Atalanta, Bologna, Inter Milan, Juventus
• France: Brest, Monaco, Paris Saint-Germain
• Portugal: Benfica, Sporting Lisbon
• Netherlands: Feyenoord, PSV
• Austria: Sturm Graz
• Scotland: Celtic
• Belgium: Club Brugge
• Ukraine: Shakhtar Donetsk

Additionally, seven teams are still in the play-off rounds to qualify.

Understanding the New Draw Format

This season marks a significant change in the format, as the Champions League has expanded from 32 to 36 teams. The traditional group stage is replaced with a single league phase, meaning:

• Each club will play a minimum of eight matches against different opponents, four at home and four away.
• No team can be drawn against another from their own league, although teams from England and Scotland may face each other.
• The top eight teams in the rankings will qualify automatically for the knockout round.
• Teams finishing from ninth to 24th will compete in a two-legged play-off to secure a spot in the last 16.
• Teams ranked 25-36 will be eliminated from all competitions.

Key Dates for the 2024/25 Champions League

Mark your calendars for the following matchdays:

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

Champions League Finale

The grand finale will take place at the Allianz Arena on May 31, 2025. Don't miss the knockout rounds scheduled for February and the quarter-finals in April.

Conclusion

The upcoming UEFA Champions League promises to be an exhilarating season filled with intense competition and high stakes. Stay tuned to catch all the action as teams vie for European glory!