The 2024-25 Champions League proper is upon us – only this year’s UEFA draw will be conducted in a brand new format. The Premier League’s four representatives will contest a brand new league phase rather than a group stage.
Previously there were 32 teams assorted into eight groups. Each club played six games against three opponents, facing each home and away. The top two teams from each group progressed to the last 16 of the competition.
Now, it is a 36-team tournament in a league format. Each club will play eight ‘group’ matches against eight different opponents to determine the standings.
The top eight teams progress to the round of 16 while the teams ninth to 24th will contest two-legged playoff ties with the eight winning sides going into the next round.
Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool and Aston Villa are the four Premier League clubs waiting to find out their fates with Scottish side Celtic the fifth and final British team in tonight’s draw.
Express Sport provides live coverage of the Champions League draw below…
