The Champions League is one of the most prestigious competitions in the world. It is the most important club tournament in Europe, and its trophy – a large silver star – is almost as well known as that of the FIFA World Cup. It is played between the champions (and, for some nations, one or more runners-up) of the top leagues in Europe. The champions of the eight participating associations play against each other in a round-robin format with teams playing each of their opponents twice: once at home and once away. The results from these games earn teams three points for a win and one point for a draw. A team that wins all of its matches is awarded the title of champion.
Starting with the 2024-25 season, the format of the competition was changed. Previously, thirty-two teams qualified for the league phase by finishing in the top two of their national championships and earning the highest UEFA club coefficient. A randomized draw then placed the clubs into eight groups of four teams. Teams played all of their matches in the group stage against their opponents, and earned points for a win, a tie, and a loss.
During the knockout phase, teams play each other in two-legged games, where they are scored on a home and away basis to determine the winner. The competition still consists of a round of sixteen and a final, and is played at a neutral venue selected by UEFA.