What is the story about?
What's Happening?
The Champions League draw has set the stage for the league phase, with 36 teams, including Real Madrid and Liverpool, learning their opponents. The league phase replaces the traditional group stage, with each team playing eight matches against different opponents. The draw assigns teams four home and four away matches. This format, introduced last season, aims to provide unique schedules for each team, enhancing the competition's appeal.
Why It's Important?
The draw marks a significant shift in the Champions League format, aiming to increase competitiveness and viewer engagement. High-profile teams like Real Madrid and Liverpool will face diverse opponents, potentially leading to unexpected results. The new format allows for a broader range of matchups, increasing the tournament's global appeal. Success in the league phase is crucial for teams seeking to advance to the knockout rounds, impacting their financial and reputational standing.
What's Next?
The league-phase matches will begin on September 16, 2025, and conclude on January 28, 2026. Teams will aim to secure a top-eight finish to advance directly to the knockout stages. Those finishing between ninth and 24th will compete in a knockout-phase play-off. The draw for these play-offs is scheduled for January 30, 2026. The knockout rounds will follow, culminating in the final on May 30, 2026, at the Puskas Arena in Budapest.
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