The UEFA Champions League 2024/25 is celebrating its 70th season and the 33rd since its renaming. The final will be held in May 2025 at the Allianz Arena in Munich, marking a return to the Bavarian capital after almost a decade. The winner of the Champions League not only secures a spot for the following season but also gains entry to the UEFA Super Cup.
This season, the Champions League has undergone a significant revamp in its format. The previous structure with 32 teams and the group stage has been replaced with a new league format featuring 36 teams. Each team will play eight games, four at home and four away, with the top eight teams advancing directly to the knockout stage. The remaining teams will compete in playoff matches to secure their spots. Unlike previous seasons, there will be no relegation to the Europa League.
The broadcasting rights for the Champions League remain with DAZN and Amazon Prime, while free-to-air TV options are limited. The new format aims to provide more matches and excitement for fans, clubs, and players alike.
The participating teams for the 2024/25 Champions League include the winners of the previous season, Europa League winners, top-ranked league champions, and runners-up from various associations. Additionally, four new teams have been added to the competition, including the third-placed team from the fifth-ranked league and champions from smaller leagues.
The tournament kicks off in September with the group stage matches, leading up to the final in Munich in May 2025. The league phase will consist of eight matchdays from September to January, followed by the knockout rounds starting in February and culminating in the final.
The Champions League schedule includes matches on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 18:45 and 21:00. A unique feature of this season is the introduction of Europa League weeks, with matches also scheduled on Thursday evenings.
The group stage fixtures have been announced, with teams facing off against their opponents over eight matchdays. The matchups promise exciting clashes and intense competition as the teams vie for a spot in the knockout rounds. Excitement is building as the Champions League embarks on a new era with the revamped format and thrilling matchups awaiting fans across Europe.