UEFA Champions League 2025: How the New 36-Team Format Changes Everything

The UEFA Champions League’s 2024/25 season introduced a 36-team league phase, replacing the group stage, with each team playing 8 matches against different opponents, per UEFA.com. This shake-up, increasing matches from 125 to 189, has fans buzzing. Search ‘UEFA Champions League format 2025’ for the buzz.

Format Breakdown

The league phase ranks all 36 teams in one table, with top 8 advancing directly to the round of 16, and 9th–24th entering play-offs. Matches span September 17, 2024, to January 29, 2025, with an exclusive Thursday week, per UEFA.com. Club Context: Debutants like Aston Villa and Brest thrived, per ESPN.com. History: The old group stage, used since 1992, contrasts this dynamic format. Pundit Take: The format adds drama, but risks fatiguing stars. Prediction: Top clubs adapt, but underdogs shine. #UCL2025 #ChampionsLeague #Football #NewFormat #PremierLeague[](https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0287-1964b9b0f4ce-e069b2345f39-1000–2024-25-uefa-champions-league-matches-draw-final-key-dates/)