A new Champions League era began in earnest Thursday, as the 36 teams taking part in the revamped 2024-25 competition learned their opponents during the first-ever “league phase” draw. The clubs, which are all grouped together in one table – the so-called “Swiss model” that is replacing the old group stage – will each play eight different opponents in the opening round, matchups that were determined by a computer during a ceremony in Monaco. For more on what’s different about the Champions League this season, including scheduling and knockout-stage qualification, tap here.
The perennial contenders, including reigning champions Real Madrid, were the first to learn their paths to the knockout stage. Unlike in previous years, where the old format meant all the teams in Pot 1 avoided one another in the group stage, the new format creates more parity, with every side being drawn against two opponents from each of the four pots to create their respective eight-match schedule. As a result, teams in Pot 1 knew they would meet their fellow heavyweights off the bat. The holders, for example, face a daunting trip to Anfield to meet Liverpool, along with a clash against Borussia Dortmund in a repeat of last season’s final. Elsewhere, Manchester City take on Paris Saint-Germain, while Bayern Munich and Barcelona rekindle their rivalry.
Bayer Leverkusen, on the back of their record-breaking, nearly flawless 2023-24 campaign, were handed a tough task with their eight matchups. Reigning Europa League holders Atalanta are also slated for some heavyweight tilts, including games against both Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Of all the sides who found themselves in Pot 3, Celtic may feel the best about their fixture list right now. Brendan Rodgers’ men got paired with arguably the most forgiving possible opponents from Pot 1, and, partly due to the new format, could have a legitimate shot at making the knockout round.
Several of Europe’s fairy-tale teams from last season found themselves in Pot 4 on Thursday, with Girona, Bologna, Brest, and Aston Villa all making either long-awaited returns to the competition or their full debuts. Can any of them rediscover the magic that helped get them here?
This season’s Champions League, the 70th edition of Europe’s elite club competition, begins with Matchday 1 on Sept. 17. UEFA will reveal the specific dates for all 144 fixtures above on Saturday.
The tournament culminates with the final May 31 at the Allianz Arena, home of German giants Bayern Munich.
