New UEFA Champions League Format Challenges Teams

The UEFA Champions League has introduced a new format for the 2024/25 season, replacing the traditional group stage with a 36-team league stage where each team plays eight matches against different opponents. The top eight teams automatically qualify for the Round of 16, while teams finishing from 9th to 24th enter a playoff round to compete for knockout stage spots, and those below 25th are eliminated. Liverpool has secured a top-eight finish, ensuring their progression to the Round of 16. In contrast, Manchester City faces uncertainty with only a 4% chance of securing a top-eight spot, while Paris Saint-Germain also grapples with their knockout stage prospects. The new format aims to provide a more comprehensive evaluation of team performances across Europe but poses challenges in understanding qualifying scenarios compared to the previous system.