Champions League Draw: New Format, New Matchups
The Champions League enters a new era with its league phase draw, featuring 36 teams competing in a restructured format.
The update
The UEFA Champions League has unveiled its league phase draw, setting the stage for a restructured European competition with 36 teams participating. The opening round of league phase fixtures will begin on Tuesday, Sept. 8, with additional games scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday. The draw took place at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco and was broadcast on CBS Sports Golazo Network, available for streaming on Paramount+.
Why it matters
This season marks a significant shift for the Champions League, expanding from the traditional group stage to a league phase format. The change creates more opportunities for teams to compete and potentially advance to the knockout rounds. Traditional powerhouses like Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal, Bayern Munich, and Barcelona will face newcomers like Italian side Como in a format that could reshape the competitive landscape of European football.
What to watch
The league phase will see each of the 36 teams play eight games before the knockout stages begin. Key matchups from the qualification rounds included Fenerbahce’s upset of Lyon and Manchester United’s return to the competition after a two-season absence. The expanded format raises questions about player workload, competitive balance, and how the increased number of teams will affect the tournament’s prestige and revenue distribution.
Sources
- cbssports.com — Champions League draw details, format changes, and broadcasting information
- The Sporting News — Context about team participation and format changes
- The Sporting News — Context about team participation and format changes