With the UEFA Champions League just around the corner, this season promises to bring some significant changes. For those of us who have followed the competition for years, it’s exciting but also a little daunting to see how much things are evolving. The draw is about to take place, but what follows will be quite different from what we’re used to. So, let’s dive into what’s new in this year’s Champions League and how it’s going to impact the teams, including some familiar faces like AC Milan.
The League Phase
First up, we’re saying goodbye to the traditional group stage format. Instead, we’re getting something called the “League Phase.” This change means we’ll see 36 teams, instead of the usual 32, divided into four pots. These teams will play eight matches, facing two teams from each pot both home and away. It’s a new way of doing things, but the goal remains the same—earn enough points to make it into the knockout stage.
Entering the Knockout Stage
Now, the top eight teams from the league phase will automatically move on to the Round of 16. But what about those who aren’t at the top? To guarantee their berth in the playoffs, teams seeded nineteenth through twenty-fourth will compete in a two-leg match. Unfortunately, for the bottom twelve teams, their European journey will end here. No drop down to the Europa League this time around. For those who do make it through, the knockout rounds will continue as usual, with the big finale set for 31 May 2025.
A Busy Match Schedule
With more teams and more games, the schedule is packed. The league phase will kick off in September and wrap up in late January, with some matchdays even scheduled for mid-January—a first for the competition. It’s going to be a tight race, and every game will count. Notably, all 18 games on the final matchday will be played simultaneously, making for an intense end to the league phase.
The Draw and Participants
As for the draw, it’s set to take place in Monte Carlo on 29 August. This is where teams like AC Milan will learn their fate for the upcoming months. The draw is a critical moment as it determines who faces who, and with teams from the same country being kept apart, it’s going to be interesting to see how things shake out.
Overall, this season’s Champions League is setting up to be one of the most intriguing yet. With a new format and a packed schedule, it’s going to be a wild ride from start to finish. Whether you’re rooting for AC Milan or another team, there’s no doubt that this season will be one to remember.
