For years, the UEFA Champions League group stage kicked off annually in mid-September, and in 2024, the tradition continues with a twist.
The prestigious club competition returns this week across Europe and on screens worldwide. Real Madrid embarks on another title defense. Liverpool faces AC Milan. Juventus and Aston Villa headline Tuesday’s matches (12:45 p.m. ET, Paramount+).
However, this 2024-25 season marks a departure from the traditional group stage format — there are no groups.
Instead, it’s a “league phase” that may initially confuse viewers, so it’s best to focus on enjoying the matches rather than trying to decipher the new format.
The upcoming games, such as Atalanta versus Arsenal on Thursday (3 p.m. ET, Paramount+), will have significant implications for the teams involved.
Unexpected results, like Girona defeating PSG on Wednesday in Paris, could alter the course of the competition.
Matches like Manchester City-Inter Milan (Wednesday, 3 p.m. ET) and Monaco-Barcelona (Thursday, 3 p.m. ET) will carry weight in determining the teams’ positions in the league table.
The new Champions League format has replaced group stages with a single league table. Teams will need to secure a spot in the top 24 out of 36 to advance to the knockout rounds.
Throughout the season, teams will move up and down the table based on match results, making the table a key tool for tracking progress and assessing knockout round hopes.
While the format may seem complex, focusing on earning points in each match will be crucial for teams aiming to advance.
As the competition unfolds, the league table will provide a clear picture of each team’s standing and their path to the knockout rounds.
What will it take to qualify for knockout rounds?
Tracking progress in the early rounds will require teams to focus on achieving specific point thresholds.
Historical data suggests that teams will need a certain number of points to secure a spot in the knockout rounds:
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1st-8th: 16+ points
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9th-16th: 12-16 points
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17th-24th: 9-12 points
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25th-36th: 0-9 points
Teams will need to focus on winning matches to reach these point thresholds and secure a spot in the knockout rounds.
While the new format may present challenges, the focus on earning points and securing wins will be crucial for teams aiming to advance in the competition.