UEFA Champions League 2024/25: New league phase format explained ahead of draw

The 2024/25 season marks a significant transformation in Europe’s most prestigious club competition, with the traditional group stage giving way to a revamped league phase that will see 36 teams competing in a single league table.

In this new format, 36 teams — an increase from the previous 32 — will be placed into one expansive league table.

However, instead of playing every team in the competition, each club will face eight opponents during this phase.

For instance, Paris Saint-Germain, who are in Pot 1, will have their eight opponents determined in today’s draw.

They will play four matches at home and four away, with opponents drawn from various pots.

Importantly, teams from the same country cannot be drawn against each other, and no club will face two sides from the same country during the league phase.

The top eight teams at the end of the league phase will automatically advance to the last 16.

Meanwhile, teams finishing between ninth and 24th will enter a two-legged play-off round to secure their place in the knockout stage. The remaining teams, those finishing between 25th and 36th, will be eliminated from European competition for the rest of the season.

After the league phase, the competition returns to its traditional knockout format, with two-legged ties in the last 16, quarter-finals, and semi-finals.

The season will culminate in a one-off final, scheduled to take place in Munich.

This new format is set to bring fresh excitement and challenges to the Champions League, reshaping the journey to European glory.