Sports

New Champions League Format Explained

Published

2 years ago

August 29, 2024

For the 2024-25 season, the Champions League has introduced a major restructuring , replacing its traditional group stage with a new single league format featuring 36 teams. This marks the most significant change since the tournament’s rebranding from the European Cup in 1992.

Under the revamped system, each team will play eight matches—four at home and four away—against different opponents. The league phase will continue until the end of January, extending the competition’s duration.

Previously, the Champions League was divided into eight groups of four teams, with the top two from each group advancing to the knockout rounds.

The new format eliminates this structure, instead sending the top eight teams directly to the knockout stage. Teams finishing between 9th and 24th will compete in a two-legged play-off to earn a spot in the last 16.

Teams ranked 9th to 16th will host the second leg of their play-off while those in positions 17th to 24th will host the first leg.

Teams finishing 25th to 36th will be eliminated from all European competitions with no opportunity to enter the Europa League. The knockout stage will return to the familiar format of two-legged ties in the round of 16, followed by quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the final.

Sports

EPL: Chelsea Set To Sanction First Summer Transfer Under Alonso

Published

2 hours ago

May 28, 2026

Editor

Chelsea are set to sanction their first summer transfer under their new manager, Xabi Alonso.

According to the BBC Sport, the Blues are ‘open’ to selling Filip Jorgensen this summer after the goalkeeper indicated his desire to leave Stamford Bridge.

Jorgensen joined the Premier League west London club two seasons ago from Villarreal.

The 24-year-old shot-stopper was expected to compete for the number one position with goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, but he made just 11 Premier League appearances over the two seasons.

However, while the arrival of Alonso to Stamford Bridge could lead to a change in fortunes for Jorgensen, the report added that the Danish star has already expressed his desire to leave Chelsea this summer to get more regular playing game-time elsewhere.

Chelsea had blocked a potential exit for Jorgensen in the January transfer window, but the Premier League west London club are now open to a sale, with European and English clubs expected to explore a deal for the goalkeeper.

Sports

EPL: ‘Go For Alvarez’ – Paul Merson Hands Arsenal Two Signings To Make

Published

2 days ago

May 26, 2026

Editor

Arsenal legend, Paul Merson, has handed his old club two signings to make in the summer.

Merson wants Arsenal to sign Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez and a new midfielder.

“I would get a centre forward this summer, I would go for Julian Alvarez,” Merson said on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast.

“I am a big fan. If they could get him, I would. I still think they probably need another midfield player as well.”

Arsenal is expected to bolster its squad in the summer after winning the Premier League title ahead of Manchester City this season.

Sports

EPL: Wayne Rooney Picks Most Improved Player This Season

Published

2 days ago

May 26, 2026

Editor

Manchester United legend, Wayne Rooney, has picked the Red Devils defender Luke Shaw as the most improved player in the Premier League following the conclusion of the 2025/26 season.

Speaking on his BBC podcast, Rooney said, “I think, for me, Luke Shaw. I think Luke Shaw has been the most improved player this season.

“I know he is an experienced player now, but I think his level this season has been much better than it has been in recent seasons.

“People might look at Kobbie Mainoo but I don’t think he’s improved. It was just the fact he wasn’t playing under the former manager so it wasn’t good or bad.”

Shaw enjoyed one of his most consistent seasons at Man United and started all of Man United’s Premier League games.