The new format for the Champions League was implemented starting from the first round on September 17, 2024. Matches are now scheduled for Tuesdays and Wednesdays, allowing Europa League games to take place on Thursdays from September to January.

Each of the three UEFA competitions will have one exclusive matchweek where no other competitions are scheduled.

Qualification for the UEFA Champions League

Out of 36 teams, 25 automatically qualify based on their domestic league standings. The top four associations—England, Spain, Germany, and Italy—receive four spots each, while the fifth and sixth-ranked associations earn three and two spots, respectively. Associations ranked seventh to tenth have one spot each for their domestic champions. For the 2024-25 season, France and the Netherlands hold the fifth and sixth positions, while Portugal, Belgium, Scotland, and Austria occupy seventh to tenth.

Additionally, two spots are reserved for the Champions League and Europa League titleholders. If either or both of these teams qualify through their domestic leagues, adjustments will be made.

How the New Format Works

All 36 teams will play eight matches during the group stage, with points being the sole measure—no two-legged ties will occur.

The top eight teams will advance directly to the round of 16, while those finishing in positions 9 to 24 will enter a two-legged knockout round to secure their spots in the round of 16.

The teams ranked 9th to 24th will be grouped, with the top four from each group moving on.

Once in the round of 16, the competition will follow the traditional format, with matches held at neutral venues chosen by UEFA. Teams finishing below 24th place will be eliminated and will not qualify for the Europa League.

In case teams are tied on points, the following criteria will determine their ranking:

1. Superior goal difference

2. Higher number of goals scored

3. Higher number of away goals scored

4. Higher number of wins

5. Higher number of away wins

If still tied, they will be ranked alphabetically by name. Further tiebreakers include collective performance against common opponents and disciplinary records.

 Current UEFA Champions League Standings After Matchday One

1. Bayern Munich — 1-0-0 — +9 GD — 3 points

2. Celtic — 1-0-0 — +4 GD — 3 points

3. Bayer Leverkusen — 1-0-0 — +4 GD — 3 points

4. Aston Villa — 1-0-0 — +3 GD — 3 points

5. Borussia Dortmund — 1-0-0 — +3 GD — 3 points

6. Sparta Prague — 1-0-0 — +3 GD — 3 points

7. Liverpool — 1-0-0 — +2 GD — 3 points

8. Juventus — 1-0-0 — +2 GD — 3 points

9. Real Madrid — 1-0-0 — +2 GD — 3 points

10. Sporting Lisbon — 1-0-0 — +2 GD — 3 points

11. Benfica — 1-0-0 — +1 GD — 3 points

12. Atletico Madrid — 1-0-0 — +1 GD — 3 points

13. Brest — 1-0-0 — +1 GD — 3 points

14. AS Monaco — 1-0-0 — +1 GD — 3 points

15. Paris Saint-Germain — 1-0-0 — +1 GD — 3 points

16. Arsenal — 0-1-0 — 0 GD — 1 point

17. Inter Milan — 0-1-0 — 0 GD — 1 point

18. Atalanta — 0-1-0 — 0 GD — 1 point

19. Manchester City — 0-1-0 — 0 GD — 1 point

20. Bologna — 0-1-0 — 0 GD — 1 point

21. Shakhtar Donetsk — 0-1-0 — 0 GD — 1 point

22. RB Leipzig — 0-0-1 — -1 GD — 0 points

23. Barcelona — 0-0-1 — -1 GD — 0 points

24. Sturm Graz — 0-0-1 — -1 GD — 0 points

25. Red Star Belgrade — 0-0-1 — -1 GD — 0 points

26. Girona — 0-0-1 — -1 GD — 0 points

27. PSV Eindhoven — 0-0-1 — -2 GD — 0 points

28. Stuttgart — 0-0-1 — -2 GD — 0 points

29. AC Milan — 0-0-1 — -2 GD — 0 points

30. Lille — 0-0-1 — -2 GD — 0 points

31. Club Brugge — 0-0-1 — -3 GD — 0 points

32. Red Bull Salzburg — 0-0-1 — -3 GD — 0 points

33. Young Boys — 0-0-1 — -3 GD — 0 points

34. Slovan Bratislava — 0-0-1 — -4 GD — 0 points

35. Feyenoord — 0-0-1 — -4 GD — 0 points

36. Dinamo Zagreb — 0-0-1 — -7 GD — 0 points