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Since the 2024/25 season the UEFA Champions League no longer starts with groups of four. All 36 clubs are in a single table. This guide explains the new format step by step.
Clubs qualify through their domestic league. The strongest leagues, ranked by UEFA's country coefficient, have the most places, and two extra places go to the countries whose clubs did best in Europe the previous season. The champions of smaller countries and some other clubs go through qualifying rounds in summer.
The 36 clubs are placed in one league table. Each club plays eight different opponents, four at home and four away, drawn from four pots so that every club meets opponents of different strength. Clubs do not play every other team, so the table can only be compared after all eight matchdays.
Three points are given for a win and one for a draw, as in a domestic league. Teams level on points are separated first by goal difference, then by goals scored, then by away goals scored and further criteria.
The top eight go straight through to the round of 16. Clubs ranked from 9th to 24th play a two-legged knockout play-off, with the seeded side (9th to 16th) playing the second leg at home; the winners join the round of 16. Clubs ranked from 25th to 36th are eliminated, with no drop into the Europa League.
The round of 16, quarter-finals and semi-finals are played over two legs, home and away. If the teams are level after both matches there is extra time and then a penalty shoot-out. Away goals no longer count double. The final is a single match at a venue chosen in advance.
The Europa League uses the same format with 36 clubs and eight matches each. The Conference League also has 36 clubs, but each plays six league-phase matches. On Scorefoot you can follow the full table, fixtures and results of all three competitions.
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