Champions League League Phase Draw Takes Place in Monaco

The Champions League draw for the new 36-team league phase format is scheduled for Thursday at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco, marking the second draw under this revamped system. The competition now features a single league table where each club faces eight different opponents, two from each of the four pots determined by UEFA coefficients, ensuring no matchups between teams from the same country and limiting opponents from the same association. This format guarantees each team more games than before, with four home and four away matches, replacing the traditional group stage. Notable debutants entering the main stage include Bodo/Glimt, Kairat Almaty, Pafos, and Union Saint-Gilloise, while Premier League clubs hold a record number of entries, including Tottenham, who will defend their Europa League success under new manager Thomas Frank. French clubs Paris Saint-Germain, Olympique de Marseille, and AS Monaco are also participating, with PSG as title holders seeded in Pot 1. The draw will be broadcast live on Canal+ and L'Equipe, setting the stage for the Champions League action starting in September.