The UEFA Champions League, Europe’s premier club football competition, has undergone a significant transformation in the 2024/25 season, introducing a new format aimed at enhancing competitiveness and excitement. This season marks the 70th edition of the tournament and the first under this revamped structure.
New Format Overview
Departing from the traditional group stage, the Champions League now features a single league phase comprising 36 teams. Each club plays eight matches against different opponents—four at home and four away. The top eight teams automatically advance to the Round of 16, while teams placed 9th to 24th enter a two-legged knockout playoff to secure their spots in the last 16. Teams finishing 25th or lower are eliminated from European competition for the season.
Standout Performances
As of January 29, 2025, the league phase concluded with notable performances:
- Liverpool: Despite a 3-2 loss to PSV Eindhoven in their final league phase match, Liverpool secured the top position. Young talents like James McConnell and Jayden Danns have been instrumental in their campaign.
- Barcelona: The Catalan giants finished second, showcasing consistent form throughout the league phase.
- Arsenal: The Gunners secured a top-eight finish, with emerging star Ethan Nwaneri becoming the second-youngest English scorer in Champions League history.
- Lille: The French side impressed by finishing in the top eight, with standout performances from Angel Gomes and Jonathan David.
Challenges for Smaller Teams
The new format posed challenges for smaller clubs:
- Dinamo Zagreb and VfB Stuttgart: Both teams narrowly missed out on the top 24, highlighting the increased competition in the league phase.
- Juventus: Despite qualifying for the playoffs, the Italian club faces scrutiny due to inconsistent performances.
Emerging Stars
The season has witnessed the rise of new talents:
- Ricardo Pepi (PSV Eindhoven): The American forward extended his impressive goal streak, playing a pivotal role in PSV’s campaign.
- Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa): The young Englishman made headlines with a hat-trick, contributing to Villa’s strong performance.
- Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal): At just 16, Nwaneri’s goal against seasoned European competition underscores his potential.
Upcoming Knockout Phase
The knockout phase draw is scheduled for January 31, 2025. Teams placed 9th to 24th will compete in two-legged playoffs to secure their spots in the Round of 16. The playoffs are set for February, with the Round of 16 draw on February 21.
Viewing Information for U.S. Audiences
For fans in the United States, Champions League matches are broadcast live on CBS Sports and streamed via Paramount+.
Match highlights and analyses are also available on CBS Sports Golazo.
The 2024/25 UEFA Champions League season has delivered heightened excitement and competition through its new format. As the tournament progresses into the knockout stages, fans worldwide eagerly anticipate which club will emerge as Europe’s champion.