Fiona Nanna, ForeMedia News

7 minutes read. Updated 5:40PM GMT Mon, 16 September, 2024

The UEFA Champions League 2024-25 season promises an exciting new format and plenty of football action over the next few months. With 36 teams competing for Europe’s most prestigious club trophy, this year’s tournament offers thrilling matchups and fresh contenders for fans across the globe. Al Jazeera delves into the new-look competition, the major title favourites, and the star players to watch.

What is the New Champions League Format?

For the first time in its history, the UEFA Champions League will feature 36 teams. This season marks a significant format change as teams will now face off in a “league phase,” replacing the traditional group-stage structure. Each team will play eight matches against eight different opponents, offering fans more exciting head-to-heads between top European clubs.

The top eight teams will advance directly to the knockout stages, while teams placed from ninth to 24th will enter a playoff round. This round will determine the remaining spots for the round of 16, setting the stage for the competition’s most intense stages, which culminate in the final at Munich’s Football Arena in May 2025.

This format aims to ensure Europe’s elite clubs face each other more frequently and raises the number of matches from 125 to 189.

What Happened in the Champions League Draw?

The league phase draw, held on August 29, 2024, produced thrilling fixtures for football enthusiasts. Real Madrid, defending champions and perennial favourites, will face stiff competition in their group, including a rematch with Borussia Dortmund, who they defeated in last season’s final. Liverpool fans have a lot to look forward to, as the English giants are set to face AC Milan and debutants Girona.

Manchester City, the reigning Premier League and Champions League title holders, will clash with Italian champions Inter Milan, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), and Juventus. The tournament will also see Aston Villa return to the Champions League for the first time since the competition’s modern iteration.

Scottish side Celtic will face a challenging group, including matches against Borussia Dortmund, Atalanta, and a highly anticipated British derby against Aston Villa.

Who Are the New Clubs in the Champions League?

Several clubs are making their Champions League debut this season. French side Brest will participate in European competition for the first time in their history. They face a tough schedule, with matches against European heavyweights like Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Another newcomer is Girona, a team that will face Liverpool, Arsenal, PSG, and AC Milan in their maiden campaign.

Key Champions League Matches to Watch Out For

The 2024-25 season is packed with exciting matchups. Here are some of the standout fixtures:

• October 1: Arsenal vs PSG (19:00 GMT)
• October 22: Real Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund (19:00 GMT)
• November 5: Liverpool vs Bayer Leverkusen (19:00 GMT)
• November 27: Liverpool vs Real Madrid (19:00 GMT)
• December 11: Borussia Dortmund vs Barcelona (19:00 GMT)
• January 22: PSG vs Manchester City (19:00 GMT)

These matches are set to provide intense rivalries, dramatic moments, and football at its finest, with the competition running from September to January in the extended group phase.

When Does the Knockout Stage Begin?

The knockout rounds will start with the playoff round from February 11-12 and 18-19, 2025. Following this, the round of 16 will take place in March, with the quarterfinals and semifinals running through April and May. The grand final will be held on May 31, 2025, at Munich’s Football Arena.

Title Favourites for the 2024-25 Champions League

Real Madrid remain favourites to win their seventh Champions League title in a decade. With new signings like French superstar Kylian Mbappé joining an already formidable lineup featuring Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr., and veteran Toni Kroos, manager Carlo Ancelotti has an exceptional squad at his disposal.

Manchester City, led by Pep Guardiola, are keen to retain their title after their 2023 triumph. With Erling Haaland continuing to dominate as their main goal-scorer, City are among the frontrunners again this season.

Arsenal, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Liverpool are also strong contenders, each boasting star-studded squads and determined to claim Europe’s biggest prize.

Players to Watch in the 2024-25 Champions League

• Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid): After joining Real Madrid in the summer of 2024, Mbappé’s presence will be key to Madrid’s attacking prowess.
• Erling Haaland (Manchester City): Haaland, a goal machine, will be crucial to City’s bid to defend their title.
• Bukayo Saka (Arsenal): The young winger has become an integral part of Arsenal’s resurgence in European football.
• Harry Kane (Bayern Munich): Kane’s move to Bayern gives them a lethal edge in attack as they chase their seventh Champions League title.
• Mohamed Salah (Liverpool): A Champions League winner in 2019, Salah remains a vital player for Liverpool as they seek to recapture the crown.

Champions League 2024-25 Prize Money

The prize money for this season’s Champions League has seen a significant increase, with the total pool rising to nearly €2.5 billion ($2.79 billion). The winning team could earn up to €86 million ($95.6 million), making this competition not only a matter of prestige but also of financial reward for participating clubs.

The UEFA Champions League 2024-25 season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting editions yet. With its expanded format, new teams, star-studded squads, and blockbuster fixtures, football fans around the world can look forward to months of thrilling competition. Whether it’s Real Madrid’s bid for further dominance, Manchester City’s quest for back-to-back titles, or the rise of new clubs, this year’s Champions League has something for everyone.

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