Champions League 2024/25 Features Expanded League Phase

The UEFA Champions League has introduced a new format for the 2024-25 season, shifting from a traditional group stage to a 36-team league phase, aimed at increasing competitiveness and providing greater opportunities for smaller clubs. This change has resulted in a more unpredictable and thrilling competition, with teams from Pot 4 achieving significant improvements in their performance. The league phase has also allowed for more rematches of recent finals and has introduced a wider variety of matchups, enhancing the overall fan experience. While some teams, like Celtic and Lille, benefited from the new format, there are concerns regarding the necessity of expanding the number of teams, as evidenced by Manchester City's advancement despite a less-than-stellar record. The new structure aims to create a better competitive balance, promoting engagement among clubs of varying standings. Overall, the modifications have sparked discussions about their effectiveness and potential need for further tweaks.