#competition-format

#competition-format

Let's start with the basics. Last season marked the first time in 21 years that we'd had a format change for Europe's top club competition. For the previous 21 seasons, 32 teams qualified and were drawn into eight groups of four. The top two teams went through to the round of 16, with third-place dropping into the UEFA Cup/Europa League and fourth-place eliminated from Europe entirely.

It will be the second time a draw takes place under the new format, which sees all 36 teams in one league table. The draw will begin at 5 p.m. UK / midday ET, with the first fixtures scheduled for Sept. 16-18. UEFA is expected to publish the full order of matches on Saturday. The league phase will stretch into January, with all 18 games on the final matchday on Jan. 28 being played at the same time.