The draw results for the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League were unveiled on Thursday, introducing football fans worldwide to the inaugural “Swiss Model” format in Europe’s most prestigious club competition.
Breaking away from the traditional group stage, the new league stage will see all 36 qualified teams competing in a single league table. Each team will play eight matches against opponents of varying strength, earning three points for a win and one point for a draw. This innovative format promises a more dynamic and unpredictable tournament, with every match carrying significant weight.
Upon the completion of the eight rounds, the top eight teams will secure direct entry into the Round of 16. Teams finishing between 9th and 24th places will enter two-legged playoffs, vying for the remaining eight spots in the knockout stages. The bottom 12 teams will conclude their European journey for the season.
This season’s draw has set the stage for some electrifying encounters between Europe’s elite clubs:
- Manchester City, reigning Premier League champions, will host Inter Milan at the Etihad Stadium in a highly anticipated rematch of last season’s Champions League final. City will also travel to the Parc des Princes to face French giants Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
- Bayern Munich, the Bundesliga powerhouse, are set to welcome PSG to the Allianz Arena. Fans are also eagerly awaiting their clash with Barcelona at Camp Nou, rekindling a storied European rivalry.
- Fifteen-time Champions League winners Real Madrid will host Germany’s Borussia Dortmund and Italy’s AC Milan at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. Additionally, Los Blancos will journey to Anfield to take on Liverpool.
- Bayer 04 Leverkusen, last season’s undefeated Bundesliga champions, will face Inter Milan at BayArena. They will also challenge Liverpool and Atlético Madrid in tough away fixtures.
With the new format and these marquee matchups, the 2024-25 Champions League season promises to deliver thrilling football action and unforgettable moments for fans across the globe.
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Draw results for 1st 'Swiss Model' in UEFA Champions League announced
cgtn.com
