The UEFA Champions League format draw was made yesterday amid a lot of confusion among fans as they try to get to grips with the new format.The new format, also known as the “Swiss” system, is a 36-team tournament with a single league phase table. Here’s a breakdown of how it works:
League Phase:
– 36 teams compete in a single league table
– Each team plays eight matches against eight different opponents
– Teams are drawn against opponents from different pots to ensure a balanced schedule
– The top eight teams qualify directly for the round of 16
– Teams finishing in 9th to 24th place enter a two-legged playoff for the remaining spots in the round of 16
Knockout Phase:
– The round of 16, quarterfinals, and semi-finals follow the traditional two-legged knockout format
– The final is a single match played at a neutral venue
Key Changes:
– The group stage is replaced by a single league phase table
– More teams participate, increasing from 32 to 36
– The format aims to reduce meaningless games and increase competitiveness
Schedule:
– The league phase runs from September to January
– Matchdays are scheduled for specific dates, with kickoff times at 18:45 CET or 21:00 CET
– The final takes place on May 31, 2025, at the Allianz Arena in Munich