By Andrew Gum
The newly introduced 2024/25 UEFA Champions League season has brought significant changes, featuring a phase-based competition format.
Unlike previous seasons, this edition includes 36 teams, an increase from the usual 32, creating a more competitive environment. The teams are selected based on their UEFA coefficient ranking, and are divided into four groups of eight.
In this new format, each team in the first phase plays eight games—four at home and four away against eight different opponents, rather than the traditional six matches in the group stages. The top eight teams from this phase automatically advance to the knockout stage. Meanwhile, teams finishing between 9th and 24th place enter a playoff round, competing in home-and-away matches for a chance to reach the Round of 16. Teams that finish from 25th to 36th place are eliminated without access to the UEFA Europa League.
This new structure increases the number of matches, raising concerns about player fatigue, particularly for clubs competing in intense domestic leagues like the Premier League and La Liga. Former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp and Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker have voiced concerns, calling for UEFA to consider the physical demands on players.
Teams likely to win the Champions League
Real Madrid
The defending champions, Real Madrid, are a dominant force, having secured 15 Champions League titles. With a mix of veterans like Luka Modrić and rising talents such as Jude Bellingham and Vinícius Jr, Madrid’s experience and youthful energy make them formidable. Their 2-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund at Wembley last season, along with the addition of Kylian Mbappé, strengthens their attack. A recent 5-2 win over Dortmund highlights their confidence, positioning them as strong contenders for the 2024/25 title.
Manchester City
Manchester City is at the pinnacle of European football. Under Pep Guardiola, the team’s possession-based style has been perfected. With key players like Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne, and Phil Foden, City boasts both skill and depth. Haaland, currently leading the Premier League scoring charts, is a constant threat. The additions of Savinho and Jeremy Doku have further bolstered their squad. Their 5-0 thrashing of Sparta Prague in match week 3 solidifies City as top contenders for the Champions League title.
Barcelona
Barcelona has made impressive progress under Hansi Flick this season, combining young talents like Pedri, Gavi, and Yamine Lamal with experienced players. Raphinha’s excellent form and Robert Lewandowski’s dominance as La Liga’s top scorer have made the team stronger. The addition of Dani Olmo has bolstered their offense, while their 4-1 win over Bayern Munich at Camp Nou shows their growing strength. Flick’s tactical expertise makes Barcelona a serious threat in the Champions League.
Liverpool
Liverpool’s rich Champions League history continues, and under new manager Arne Slot, they’ve seen a remarkable resurgence. In their last 10 games, they’ve only lost once, tightening their defense and conceding fewer goals. The improvement of midfielders Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Ryan Gravenberch has revitalized the team. With Mohamed Salah still leading the attack, Liverpool looks poised to challenge for the Champions League title once again this season.
In this new, highly competitive format, each match is crucial, raising the stakes for teams aiming to secure high rankings. The competition is more intense than ever, with several top contenders vying for the title.
