The 2024/2025 UEFA Champions League season marks a significant change in the competition’s format, introducing a more intense and competitive structure.
As the tournament enters its 70th campaign, UEFA has implemented a new format that replaces the traditional group stage, aiming to enhance the competition’s excitement and unpredictability.
Here are details of the new format, the match schedule, and key dates for this season.
What is the New UEFA Champions League Format?
For the 2024/2025 season, the UEFA Champions League has adopted a new format that will be more demanding for the participating teams. Here’s how the new format works:
- Single 36-Team League Stage: Instead of the traditional group stage, all 36 teams will compete in a single league stage. Each team will play eight matches against different opponents—four at home and four away.
- Advancement to Knockout Rounds:
- The top eight teams from the league stage will automatically qualify for the Round of 16.
- Teams that finish in 9th to 24th place will enter the knockout round play-offs, where they will compete to secure one of the eight remaining spots in the Round of 16.
- Knockout Phase: The tournament will then proceed with traditional knockout rounds, culminating in the final, which will determine the UEFA Champions League winner.
This new format is designed to intensify competition, as teams will face a wider variety of opponents in the early stages, making every match crucial for advancement.
UEFA Champions League 2024/2025 Match Schedule
The schedule for the UEFA Champions League 2024/2025 season has been released by UEFA. The competition’s matches are divided into several phases, beginning with the league stage and progressing through the knockout rounds.
Phase Matches (League Stage):
- Matchday 1: 17–19 September 2024
- Matchday 2: 1/2 October 2024
- Matchday 3: 22/23 October 2024
- Matchday 4: 5/6 November 2024
- Matchday 5: 26/27 November 2024
- Matchday 6: 10/11 December 2024
- Matchday 7: 21/22 January 2025
- Matchday 8: 29 January 2025
Knockout Rounds:
- Knockout Round Play-offs: 11/12 & 18/19 February 2025
- Round of 16: 4/5 & 11/12 March 2025
- Quarter-finals: 8/9 & 15/16 April 2025
- Semi-finals: 29/30 April & 6/7 May 2025
- Final: 31 May 2025
Key Dates for UEFA Champions League Draws
The UEFA Champions League draws are pivotal in determining the matchups for the various stages of the competition. Here are the important dates for the draws:
- Phase Matches Draw: 29 August 2024
- Knockout Round Play-offs Draw: 31 January 2025
- Round of 16, Quarter-finals, and Semi-finals Draws: 21 February 2025
These draws will set the stage for the intense matches that follow, with teams eagerly awaiting to learn their opponents.
Final Venue: Allianz Arena
The grand final of the UEFA Champions League 2024/2025 season will be held at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany. The stadium, which serves as the home ground for Bayern Munich, has a rich history and previously hosted the Champions League final in 2012. The Allianz Arena is known for its modern architecture and vibrant atmosphere, making it an ideal venue for the season’s climactic match.
Important Notes
- Schedule Flexibility: While UEFA has provided a detailed schedule, all dates are subject to change if necessary. Fans and teams should stay updated on any potential adjustments.
