Champions League: everything you need to know about the new format!
by Cydias Aujard | by Yunchu Li
More teams, more matches, a single pool for more clashes!
First of all, note that the new format only affects the old group phase, where the 32 qualifying clubs were split into 8 groups of 4 teams. From now on, there will be 36 teams playing 8 matches in this phase instead of 6 in the past editions.
Each club now plays against 8 other teams, and the two-legged ties are now over. For example, LOSC have been handed a big draw this year, playing Real Madrid, Liverpool, Juventus, Atlético Madrid, Bologna, Sturm Graz, Sporting and Feyenoord. The same goes for PSG with Girona, Arsenal, PSV Eindhoven, Atlético Madrid, Salzburg, Stuttgart and also Manchester City As you will have gathered, there will be many more intense clashes in the group phase, which was the main objective of the new format.
This year alone, we are expecting high-profile matches including
- AC Milan vs Liverpool
- Manchester City vs Inter Milan
- Arsenal vs PSG
- Real vs Dortmund
- Barcelona vs Bayern
- Real Madrid vs AC Milan
- Inter Milan vs Arsenal
- Bayern vs PSG
- Liverpool vs Real Madrid
- Dortmund vs Barcelona
- Juventus vs Manchester City
- PSG vs Manchester City
A lot to looking forward to for football fans this year!
Appearance of the play-offs
Previously, the top two teams in each group qualified for the last 16, the third-placed team was relegated to the Europa League, and the last-placed team was eliminated from all European competition. But now, we are moving to a single championship bringing together all 36 teams. How do you determine who qualifies for the next round?
The top 8 teams qualify directly for the Round of 16, while the next 16 (9th to 24th place) qualify for the play-offs (round of 32), which will determine the last 8 teams to reach the Round of 16.
The knochout stage make their appearance and will determine the last qualifiers for the Round of 16.
At last, it should also be noted that the last 12 teams (from 25th to 36th place) are eliminated from all European competitions, and there is no longer any question of a repechage in the Europa League, or even in the Conference League. Teams will no longer be juggling between competitions.
Now you've got all the information in your head, and you're ready to start making your Champion's League predictions! Who will lift the trophy? Who will reach the final? Will any of the big clubs be knocked out in the play-offs? Take a look at our Champions League predictions for more information and tips.
