Explanation of the 2024/25 Champions League format: Understanding the new 36-team structure and the progression of previous modifications.

**A New Era for the UEFA Champions League: The 2024/25 Season Set to Transform European Football**

The 2024/25 UEFA Champions League is poised to embark on a revolutionary journey, marking the most significant overhaul in its storied history. This season, the number of participating teams will rise from 32 to 36, and the familiar group stage will be replaced by an innovative league phase that promises to reshape the competition as we know it.

Under the new format, all 36 teams will be placed into a single league, where they will engage in eight matches against eight different opponents—four at home and four away. This exciting change aims to enhance the competitive nature of the tournament, ensuring that fans are treated to thrilling encounters right from the outset.

At the conclusion of the eight matchdays, the top eight teams will secure their places in the round of 16. They will be joined by the eight winners of two-legged play-offs, contested by teams finishing between 9th and 24th in the league standings. The remaining teams will face elimination, setting the stage for a more traditional knockout phase that will culminate in the grand final on Saturday, 31 May 2025, in Munich.

UEFA officials are optimistic that this revamped format will lead to more competitive matches earlier in the tournament, providing lower-ranked teams with greater opportunities to face a diverse range of opponents. Additionally, it is expected to facilitate more high-stakes clashes between top-tier teams in the early stages of the competition.

This isn’t the first time UEFA has made significant changes to its flagship tournament. Over the years, the governing body has continually tweaked and expanded the competition to maintain its growth and appeal.

**A Look Back at Champions League Evolution**

The Champions League has undergone numerous transformations since its inception. In 1991, the traditional knockout format was replaced with semi-final groups, paving the way for a new era. The inaugural European Cup, which began in 1955, was exclusively for league champions and previous holders, featuring a straightforward knockout system that culminated in a single-legged final.

The 1991/92 season introduced a group stage, where 32 teams were narrowed down to eight, leading to two groups of four. Barcelona and Sampdoria emerged victorious in their respective groups, ultimately clashing in the final at Wembley, where the Catalans triumphed 2-0. The competition was rebranded as the Champions League the following season, maintaining the group format that saw Marseille and AC Milan reach the final, with the French side claiming victory.

In 1994, the competition saw the introduction of a group stage for the early rounds, allowing for a more dynamic tournament structure. The top two teams from each group advanced to the knockout stages, with Milan once again reaching the final, only to be defeated by Ajax in 1995.

The 1997/98 season marked another significant expansion, as the tournament grew to include 24 teams, allowing second-placed teams from top leagues to compete. This change added a layer of excitement, with Real Madrid ultimately lifting the trophy after defeating Juventus in the final.

The turn of the millennium brought further changes, with the 1999/2000 season expanding back to 32 teams and introducing a second group stage. However, this format was short-lived, as UEFA reverted to a simpler round of 16 in 2003/04, a structure that remained unchanged for over two decades.

As we stand on the brink of the 2024/25 season, the Champions League is set to enter a new chapter, one that promises to deliver even more drama, excitement, and unforgettable moments for football fans across the globe. The anticipation is palpable as clubs prepare to vie for the most coveted trophy in European football under a format that is sure to keep supporters on the edge of their seats.