Champions League: New Format; How It Works.
This season marks a significant change in the UEFA Champions League format, following the approval of alterations in May 2022. It is the first major revamp of Europe’s premier club competition since 1992, bringing an expanded tournament structure and a shift from the traditional group stages.
In previous years, the group stage consisted of 32 teams divided into eight groups of four, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the round of 16. However, the new format, beginning this season, will see an expanded 36-team tournament. Each team will now play eight matches – four at home and four away – in a single league phase. The fixtures will be drawn from four seeding pots, ensuring a varied set of opponents for every side.
At the end of the league phase, the top eight teams will automatically qualify for the last 16. Teams finishing between ninth and 24th will enter a two-legged knockout play-off to earn a place in the knockout rounds. Unfortunately for the teams finishing 25th or lower, their Champions League journey will end, with no opportunity to drop into the Europa League.
Knockout Stages Remain Unchanged
Despite the changes to the group stage, the knockout rounds will remain the same as previous seasons. From the round of 16 onwards, the competition will continue with two-legged ties, culminating in the final, which is set to take place on Saturday, 31 May, at Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena. As with recent seasons, the away goals rule will not apply.
This revamped format promises to bring more excitement to the competition, with additional teams, matches, and opportunities for upsets in the knockout stages.
