The draw for the 2024-2025 UEFA Champions League season has been completed, and football fans can expect an exciting journey ahead. The prestigious club competition’s draw took place at the Grimaldo Forum in Monte Carlo. The ceremony was conducted by football legends Cristiano Ronaldo and Gianluigi Buffon, with Ronaldo receiving a special award for his five Champions League titles and seven top scorer achievements.
CEM MIRZANLI/GAZETEM
Foto:UEFA
New Format: A Fresh Approach to the Champions League!
This season brings a major change to the format of the tournament. A total of 36 teams will participate, playing in a league-style competition. After eight matches, the top 8 teams will automatically qualify for the Round of 16. Teams ranked 9th to 24th will have to compete in two-legged knockout matches for a chance to reach the Round of 16.
Details of the New Format:
- Direct Qualifiers for Round of 16: The top 8 teams from the league phase will advance automatically.
- Playoff Stage: The teams finishing 9th to 16th will face those ranked 17th to 24th in knockout matches.
- Elimination: Teams finishing outside the top 24 will be eliminated from the competition.
The new format will bring more competition, excitement, and surprises. The matches will kick off from September 17-19, 2024, and the group stage will conclude on January 29, 2025. The final will take place at Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany.
With this fresh format, fans are in for an even more thrilling Champions League experience. All eyes are now on the first matches set to begin on September 17.