UEFA Champions League set to return with a new format
What is the new Champions League format and how does it work?
From this season, a new format will be in play after Uefa approved the changes in May 2022.
It is the first time since 1992 that Europe’s elite competition has seen such a revamp.
In recent years, the group stage has been set up with 32 teams in eight groups of four – with the top two sides from those groups qualifying for the last 16.
However, from this season an expanded 36-team tournament sees each side play eight games – four at home and four away – in a league phase, against two opponents from each of the four seeding pots.
Teams who finish in the top eight will qualify automatically for the last 16, while those who place ninth to 24th will compete in a two-legged knockout play-off for the chance to join them.
Whoever finishes 25th or lower will be eliminated, and will not be entered into the Europa League.
New Champions League format graphic
What about the knockout stages?
From the last 16 onwards, the Champions League will continue to follow its previous format, with a series of two-legged knockout games culminating in the final on Saturday, 31 May. As was the case last season, there will be no away goals rule in play.
This season, the final will take place at Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena.
Source: BBC