Understanding UEFA Champions League’s new format
The UEFA Champions has undergone significant changes starting from the 2024/25 season, transitioning from a traditional group stage format to a new league phase. This transformation aims to enhance competition and provide fans with more exciting matchups.
Below is a detailed breakdown of the new format.
The new format
The Champions League has expanded from 32 to 36 teams participating in the league phase. This change allows for four additional clubs to compete, increasing opportunities for various teams across Europe. The league phase replaced the previous group stage system, which consisted of eight groups of four teams each.
Structure of the league phase
In this new league phase, all 36 teams are ranked together in a single table rather than being divided into groups. Each team will play eight matches, facing four opponents at home and four away. The matchups are determined through a draw that considers seeding based on UEFA coefficients.
Teams will be drawn against two opponents from each of four seeding pots.
This structure allows for a wider variety of matchups, giving clubs the chance to face different opponents throughout the league phase.
Qualification for knockout rounds
At the end of the league phase:
The top eight teams automatically qualify for the Round of 16.
Teams finishing in positions 9th to 24th will enter a two-legged playoff round to secure their place in the knockout stage.
The bottom 12 teams (positions 25th to 36th) will be eliminated from European competition entirely.
This system ensures that every match remains significant until the final day of the league phase, as teams vie for better placements and potential advancement.
Knockout phase format
Once in the knockout rounds, which retain their traditional two-legged format:
The winners from the playoff round will face off against one of the top eight finishers in Round of 16 matches.
From this point onward, it follows familiar knockout rules leading up to a single-leg final at a neutral venue.
Benefits of the new format
The new format is designed with several benefits in mind:
Increased competitiveness: More matches against diverse opponents can lead to higher-quality games.
Greater engagement: Fans can look forward to seeing top clubs face off earlier in the tournament.
Enhanced excitement: Every game counts significantly towards qualification and positioning within both phases.
Match scheduling
The league phase matches are scheduled between September and January, with all games played midweek on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The last matchday features simultaneous kickoffs for all fixtures to maintain suspense regarding qualification outcomes.
Final match
The final match is set to take place at a neutral venue selected by UEFA, continuing the tradition established in previous seasons. In 2025, this final is scheduled to occur at Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena.
By implementing these changes, UEFA aims to modernize its flagship club competition while maintaining its core values centered around sporting merit and open competition.
