PUNCH Online reports that the much-anticipated league phase draw took place in Monaco on Thursday, August 29.
In March 2024, PUNCH Online provided an explainer on the new Champions League format.
A star-studded cast of Champions League legends, including Gianluigi Buffon and Zlatan Ibrahimović, welcome the beginning of a new era for Europe’s premier club competition.
New UCL format explained
In the upcoming format, 36 teams will compete instead of the usual 32, playing in a single league with four pots, eight in each. The top two in each gets automatic qualification.
Each team will face eight opponents, with 4 matches at home and 4 away, but they won’t play the same team twice.
After the league phase, the top 8 teams will automatically advance to the round of 16.
The bottom 8 teams will be eliminated, while teams ranked 9th to 24th will enter a playoff round.
This playoff will determine the remaining 8 spots in the knockout phase. The 16 teams in the knockout stage will compete, with 8 advancing to the quarterfinals, followed by the semifinals and finals.
Here is the full 2024/25 UCL draw in image breakdown:
Ronaldo, Buffon, and UEFA deputy general secretary Giorgio Marchetti conducted the draw.
The time for the fixtures will be announced Saturday.
