Matchweek one of the 2024/25 Champions League starts on September 17th, as 36 clubs look to fight it out for European glory.
However, a re-vamp of the competition means clubs will have to adapt to the increased stress it will bring.
Can Real Madrid retain their title and win the competition for a record 16th time? Or will a new winner navigate the added games successfully and claim glory in style?
Format Changes
For the last 21 seasons, 32 teams were divided into eight groups of four. However, starting this year, 36 teams will enter a league phase in which each side will play eight matches (four at home and four away). The draw is conducted by a super computer which determines which fixtures each team will have.
The clubs are drawn into four pots of nine, and each will have to play two teams from each pot. This allows for weaker teams to match up against sides of their calibre. It enables them to not be consistently drawn against the heavy hitters. The pots are decided based on a team’s UEFA coefficient ranking – their recent performances in Europe over the past few years.
After the eight matches finish on the 29th January, the top eight teams progress automatically to the round of 16. Teams placed 9 – 24 will enter a playoff round for the remaining eight places in the round of 16. Teams 9th – 16th will be seeded and will play the 2nd leg at home. Teams 17th – 24th are unseeded and will start by playing the first leg at home.
Afterwards, clubs that automatically qualified for the round of 16 will be seeded. They will play the 2nd leg of the round of 16 at home. Following this, the format remains a traditional knockout competition, with the quarter and semi-finals to come. The final two teams will face off on the 31st May 2025 at the Allianz Arena in Munich.
What It Means For The 36 Clubs
For smaller teams, the format change is hugely beneficial. Instead of playing three different clubs, they’ll compete against eight. They’ll also have one extra game at home. The financial rewards they will reap are gigantic and it will enable their players to showcase their talent much more frequently.
For the bigger clubs, the benefits only really lie in squad management. Due to the sheer workload put on players, managers from these clubs will be able to rotate and keep players happy a lot more often. These teams will be forced to rely on so-called squad players more than in the previous edition.
However there are plenty of limitations that come with the new look competition. An added away game means a lot for all of the clubs. Environmentally, there are negative impacts with the amount of extra flights teams will have to take.
In addition, the financial pressure for fans is even more prominent. In a cost-of-living crisis, having to travel across Europe four times in just the league phase is excessive and unaffordable for most fans. Teams that finish between 9th – 24th will have to play a staggering ten matches before the round of 16.
Finally, for managers and squads, the congestion of matches is deeply problematic. For example, Manchester City only have 2 times where they don’t play a midweek fixture until the end of 2024 (excluding international breaks). This could also be subject to change if they progress in the Carabao Cup. Midfielders Bernardo Silva and Rodri have both complained about fixture congestion during the international break, complaining it’s ‘unfair on the players.’ It will certainly be interesting to see how Europe’s elite embrace the new iteration of the Champions League.
The Favourites
Holders Real Madrid have added superstar Kylian Mbappé to their ranks. The main trophy he is missing in his illustrious career is the Champions League. Luckily, his new club’s maternal love affair with the trophy bodes well for him, and they’re expected to go far yet again.
As for their fixtures, a mouth-watering tie away against Liverpool seems to be the pick of the bunch. A repeat of the 2018 and 2022 finals, this match-up has delivered many classic moments and is sure to produce more when they meet at Anfield. A repeat of the 2024 final against Dortmund will prove a huge test as they look to avenge the painful memories they endured in June.
Other tricky tests include visits to European giants AC Milan and a spirited LOSC Lille. Despite this, Los Blancos should be confident of finishing in the top eight places.
2023 treble winners Manchester City have started this season on fire, with Erling Haaland scoring seven goals in his first three league games. Their toughest test is against Paris Saint Germain in match week seven. A repeat of the 2023 final against Inter Milan is also on the cards in week one. However, a lenient draw overall means the Citizens will be relishing their chances.
Bayern Munich have started life well under new boss Vincent Kompany. With their last success coming in 2020, could this be the year they climb back to the summit of European football? Clashes against PSG and Barcelona will prove tricky, and a visit to a buoyant Villa Park will ensure they’ll have to do it the hard way.
Other Contenders
Arsenal reached the quarterfinals last year, and will look to continue their progression under Mikel Arteta. Two tricky trips to Italy await The Gunners, but can they progress even further?
Bayer Leverkusen won the Bundesliga in a dominant fashion, finishing the domestic season unbeaten. Having retained manager Xabi Alonso and their key stars, it’ll be intriguing to see how the German champions fare.
PSG will have to deal with the loss of Kylian Mbappé as their new-look team tries to do what he couldn’t. Having never won the competition, the French giants will hope that this is the year where they get over the line.
The new format will no doubt provide all the thrills and surprises the old competition had to offer. But how will the performance of teams and the health of players be impacted? The 2024/25 UEFA Champions League holds all the answers.
