Champions League: everything you need to know about the new format!
by Tyler Doty | by Tyler Doty
More teams, more matches, a single pool for more clashes!
First of all, please note that the new format only affects the old group phase, where the 32 qualifying clubs were separated into 8 groups of 4 teams. From now on, there will be 36 members, and no longer 6 matches to play in total, but 8!
Each club now plays against 8 other teams, and the two-legged ties are now over. For example, LOSC has inherited 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'll have gathered, we're treated to far more clashes right from the group stage, and that was the main aim of the new format...
This year alone, for example, we have 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 and PSG vs Manchester City, to name but a few...
New Play Off Format
Previously, the top two teams in each group qualified for the Round of 16, the third-placed team was relegated to the Europa League, and the last-placed team was eliminated from all European competition. But now, as a reminder, we're moving to a single championship bringing together all 36 teams. But how do you determine who qualifies for the next round?
The first 8 teams qualify directly for the Round of 16, while the next 16 (9th to 24th place) qualify for the play-offs (Round of 16), which will determine the last 8 teams to reach the Round of 16.
The play-offs make their appearance and will determine the last qualifiers for the Round of 16.
For the sake of completeness, 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 history of repechage in the Europa League, or even in the Conference League for the C3. No more juggling between competitions.
Now you've got all the information in your head, and you're ready to get started on your Champion's League predictions! Who will be the eventual winner? Who will reach the final? Will any of the big clubs be knocked out in the league phase or the play-offs? Take a look at our Champions League predictions for more information and tips.
