The UEFA Champions League league phase draw on Thursday, August 27, sets the stage for 36 clubs, revealing matchups and the road to the Madrid final.
The highly anticipated UEFA Champions League league phase draw is set to ignite the football world on Thursday, August 27, at 12 p.m. ET. From the prestigious Grimaldi Forum in Monaco, the event will determine the initial journeys for 36 elite clubs, all vying for glory on the road to the final at Madrid's Metropolitano Stadium on June 5.
This crucial draw follows the conclusion of a thrilling qualification week, which saw the final seven teams secure their places among Europe's best. Fans globally are eager to discover the challenging matchups and potential dark horses emerging from the mix of seasoned contenders and exciting newcomers.
Whether you're a long-time supporter or new to the spectacle, understanding where and how to follow this pivotal event is key to tracking your favorite teams from the very beginning, according to reporting by CBS Sports - Soccer.
How to Watch the Champions League Draw Live
Football enthusiasts across the United States can catch all the excitement of the UEFA Champions League league phase draw live on the CBS Sports Golazo Network. The event is scheduled for Thursday, August 27, starting at 12 p.m. ET.
The draw ceremony will unfold from the picturesque Grimaldi Forum in Monaco, where officials will randomly select the teams, setting their initial eight-game schedules for the league phase. This crucial moment marks the official kickoff of the season for Europe's top club competition.
Who Are the UEFA Champions League League Phase Participants?
The field for this season's Champions League league phase features a compelling blend of footballing giants and intriguing new entrants, totaling 36 teams. Among the traditional powerhouses are back-to-back champions Paris Saint-Germain and last season's finalists Arsenal, alongside perennial favorites like Bayern Munich and Barcelona.
English clubs are well-represented, including Manchester United, who make their return after a two-season absence, alongside Aston Villa, Manchester City, and Liverpool. Italian football sees Inter, Napoli, Roma, and the notable newcomer Como competing, adding fresh narratives to the tournament.
Other prominent clubs include Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, PSV Eindhoven, and Porto. The final seven teams secured their spots through intense playoff rounds, with clubs like Sabah, Bodo/Glimt, LASK, AEK Athens, Fenerbahce, Viking, and Slovan Bratislava advancing after competitive aggregate victories.
Understanding the New Champions League League Phase Format
This season introduces a revised league phase format where all 36 participating teams will be ranked in a single table, moving away from the traditional group stage. The draw mechanism will divide these teams into four pots, determined by their five-year UEFA club coefficient, with the reigning Champions League title holders always securing a spot in Pot 1.
During the draw, each team will be assigned eight unique opponents for the league phase, playing two teams from every pot. This translates to four home matches and four away matches, ensuring a varied schedule for all contenders. The outcome of these eight games will dictate their position in the unified league table.
At the conclusion of the league phase, the top eight teams will automatically advance to the round of 16. Teams ranked nine through 24 will then face each other in a knockout phase playoff round, with the winners progressing to join the top eight in the last 16. This structure offers more opportunities for clubs to make a deep run in the competition.
Key Dates for the UEFA Champions League Season
Following Thursday's pivotal draw, the UEFA Champions League calendar is packed with crucial dates for fans to mark. The league phase will commence with Matchday 1 between September 8 and 10, setting the stage for the intense competition.
Subsequent league phase matchdays are scheduled throughout October, November, December, and January, building towards the knockout stages. The knockout phase playoffs are slated for February 16-24, followed by the round of 16 from March 9-17.
The journey intensifies with the quarterfinals in early April, leading to the semifinals spanning late April to early May. All roads lead to the grand final, which will be held on June 5 at the iconic Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid, where Europe's champion will be crowned.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the UEFA Champions League league phase draw?
The UEFA Champions League league phase draw is scheduled for Thursday, August 27, at 12 p.m. ET. It will take place at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco.
Where can I watch the Champions League draw live?
Fans in the United States can watch the Champions League league phase draw live on the CBS Sports Golazo Network. It will also be available via live stream.
How many teams participate in the Champions League league phase?
A total of 36 teams will participate in this season's UEFA Champions League league phase. These teams include top clubs from across Europe, such as Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal, Manchester United, Bayern Munich, and newcomer Como.
How does the new Champions League league phase work?
The 36 teams are placed into four pots based on their UEFA club coefficient. Each team will play eight games (four home, four away) against opponents drawn from different pots. All teams are ranked in a single league table, with the top eight advancing directly to the Round of 16 and teams ranked 9-24 entering a playoff round.
When is the UEFA Champions League final in 2025?
The UEFA Champions League final for the 2024-2025 season is set for June 5, 2025. It will be hosted at the Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid, Spain.