The 2024/25 UEFA Champions League is undergoing a major transformation with the introduction of a new format called the “league phase.” This new structure replaces the traditional group stage and brings a fresh competitive approach, reshaping how teams progress through the tournament.
How the New ‘League Phase’ Works:
Under this revamped format, 36 teams will compete in a single league table, unlike the old system where teams were divided into groups. Each team will play eight matches against different opponents, consisting of four home games and four away games. The results of these matches will determine the team’s standing in the league table, with three points awarded for a win, one point for a draw, and no points for a loss.
The league phase will conclude with the top eight teams automatically securing a place in the knockout stages of the competition. However, not all teams will have a straightforward path to the knockout rounds. Teams that finish between 9th and 24th place will enter a two-legged play-off, where they will fight for one of the remaining spots in the last 16. Meanwhile, the bottom 12 teams will be eliminated entirely and will not even have the safety net of dropping into the UEFA Europa League, making every match in the league phase crucial for survival.
Knockout Play-off Phase:
For teams that finish between 9th and 24th, the road to the knockout rounds gets more complicated. The teams placed 9th to 16th will be seeded in the knockout play-off draw, meaning they will be matched against teams that finish in 17th to 24th place. This gives the higher-placed teams a slight advantage, but they will still need to prove their worth over two legs.
Once the knockout play-offs are completed, the eight winners will progress to the round of 16, where they will be drawn against the top eight teams from the league phase, who are also seeded. The knockout stages will continue from there, leading to the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and ultimately, the grand final.
How Many Points Are Needed to Progress?
The new format brings added complexity to the race for qualification, and teams will need to carefully calculate their path to the knockout rounds. Opta’s supercomputer has provided insight into the point requirements for teams aiming to reach different stages of the competition. According to its analysis:
- 16 points (the equivalent of five wins and one draw from eight matches) would almost certainly guarantee a spot in the top eight, providing a direct path to the last 16.
- 15 points could still be enough to secure a top-eight finish in 73% of simulations, meaning five wins might just edge a team into the final automatic qualification places.
- 14 points, or four wins and two draws, might not be sufficient to break into the top eight, making the target of five wins even more essential for the top clubs.
For teams looking to at least secure a place in the play-offs, the point threshold is slightly lower:
- 10 points (three wins and a draw) would almost certainly guarantee a spot in the play-off round, ensuring a chance to compete for one of the final knockout places.
- Nine points (three wins) could also be enough, with a 69% probability that it would secure 24th place and a play-off spot.
- Teams with only eight points (two wins and two draws), however, are at significant risk of elimination, with only a slim 16% chance of making it to the play-offs.
Given these projections, teams will aim for at least three wins from their eight matches to give themselves the best possible chance of advancing.
Champions League 2024/25 Fixtures and Key Dates:
The league phase of the Champions League will span several months, with each matchday spaced out over the course of the season. Here are the key dates for the league phase and knockout stages:
League Phase Matches:
- Matchday 1: September 17-19, 2024
- Matchday 2: October 1/2, 2024
- Matchday 3: October 22/23, 2024
- Matchday 4: November 5/6, 2024
- Matchday 5: November 26/27, 2024
- Matchday 6: December 10/11, 2024
- Matchday 7: January 21/22, 2025
- Matchday 8: January 29, 2025
Once the league phase concludes, the play-off and knockout rounds will take place, following this schedule:
- Knockout Round Play-offs: February 11/12 and February 18/19, 2025
- Round of 16: March 4/5 and March 11/12, 2025
- Quarter-finals: April 8/9 and April 15/16, 2025
- Semi-finals: April 29/30 and May 6/7, 2025
Champions League Final – Allianz Arena, Munich
The prestigious final will be held on May 31, 2025, at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany. This iconic venue, known for hosting major European football events, will once again provide the stage for the crowning of Europe’s best club team.
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