New Delhi, September 17, 2024 (Yes Punjab News)
The 2024/25 UEFA Champions League season is about to kick off on Tuesday night, and it promises to be a historic one. For the first time, 36 teams will be competing for Europe’s premier football title. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of Gameweek 1.
What is the New UEFA Champions League Format?
For the 2024/25 season, the UEFA Champions League has undergone a significant change. Instead of the traditional 32 teams, 36 clubs will compete in the league phase, giving more teams the chance to play against the best in Europe.
Single League Competition
In the new format, the group stage has been replaced by a single league competition, where all 36 clubs are ranked together. Each team will now play eight matches in the league phase.
Eight Unique Opponents
Teams will no longer face three opponents twice (home and away). Instead, each club will play against eight different teams, with half of the matches being played at home and the other half away. The fixtures are determined by drawing opponents from four seeding pots. Each team plays against two opponents from each pot, facing one at home and one away.
Key Matches in Gameweek 1
As the competition begins, there are several exciting matches lined up for Gameweek 1. Here are some of the key fixtures to watch:
Juventus vs PSV
The action kicks off on Tuesday at 10:15 PM IST with Juventus hosting PSV at the Allianz Stadium. Juventus, a two-time UCL winner, will look to start strong against the Dutch champions.
Young Boys vs Aston Villa
Aston Villa is making a return to the Champions League after 42 years and will face Sweden’s Young Boys. Villa will be hoping for a winning comeback on the big stage.
Real Madrid vs Stuttgart
Defending champions Real Madrid, the record holders of the UEFA Champions League with 14 titles, will play against VfB Stuttgart at 12:30 AM IST (Wednesday). Real Madrid will aim to continue their dominance in the competition.
In a press conference, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti said: “This year’s Champions League will be a different story, and hopefully, we can get to the final like we did last season.”
AC Milan vs Liverpool
Another blockbuster clash is AC Milan vs Liverpool, two clubs that share a combined 13 Champions League titles. The match at San Siro is also a rematch of the iconic 2005 UCL final, one of the greatest in football history.
Manchester City vs Inter Milan
Inter Milan will face Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium. With Erling Haaland in red-hot form, already scoring nine goals in four games, Inter will have their work cut out as they look to stop the reigning Premier League champions.
Full Matchday 1 Schedule
Tuesday, September 17
– Young Boys vs Aston Villa
– Juventus vs PSV
– Milan vs Liverpool
– Bayern München vs GNK Dinamo
– Real Madrid vs Stuttgart
– Sporting CP vs Lille
Wednesday, September 18
– Sparta Praha vs Salzburg
– Bologna vs Shakhtar
– Celtic vs Slovan Bratislava
– Club Brugge vs Borussia Dortmund
– Manchester City vs Inter Milan
– Paris vs Girona
Thursday, September 19
– Feyenoord vs Bayer Leverkusen
– Crvena Zvezda vs Benfica
– Monaco vs Barcelona
– Atalanta vs Arsenal
– Atletico Madrid vs RB Leipzig
– Brest vs Sturm Graz
Where to Watch the UEFA Champions League in India?
Football fans in India can catch all the action live on the Sony Sports Network. Matches will also be live-streamed on SonyLIV.
The UEFA Champions League season promises to be exciting, with a new format, more teams, and high-stakes action. Make sure to tune in for Gameweek 1!
