The Champions League is the most prestigious club soccer competition in Europe. It is the most competitive and challenging tournament of its kind, and it takes more than just skill to win — it also takes heart and a little bit of luck. The Champions League has been around for 21 years and has seen a lot of changes during that time, but the most recent change was made in 2024-25, when it was revamped to add an expanded league phase and make it easier for teams to reach the knockout stages.
For the first time, all 36 teams will play each other twice in the league phase before the knockout bracket begins. In addition, UEFA has changed how home advantage is determined in the second legs of the quarterfinals and semifinals. Now, based on their rankings from the league phase, clubs are guaranteed to have the option to host the second leg of those matches.
In the past, it was completely open to whoever wanted to host, but this change was meant to make those matches more meaningful and increase the chances of home-field advantage in the final rounds.
From there, top eight finishers will qualify for the last 16 of the knockout stage and will be seeded in the draw. Teams finishing between ninth and 24th will compete in a two-legged knockout play-off for the right to join them.