The UEFA Champions League remains the crown jewel of European club football, and the 2025 draw is set to deliver drama from the very first ball pulled.
With six English clubs, reigning champions PSG, and European giants like Real Madrid and Bayern Munich in the mix, this season could be one of the most competitive ever.
How the 2025 Champions League Format Works
UEFA’s Swiss-model format, now in its second year, replaces the traditional group stage with a single 36-team league table.
- Each club plays 8 games in the league phase.
- Opponents are drawn from all four pots: two from Pot 1, two from Pot 2, two from Pot 3, and two from Pot 4.
- Teams play each opponent once (home or away).
Qualification Process:
- Top 8: Advance directly to the Round of 16.
- 9th–24th: Compete in a playoff to join the last 16.
- 25th–36th: Eliminated completely—no Europa League drop-downs.
To reward consistency, the 1st and 2nd place finishers in the league phase now enjoy home advantage in the second leg of every knockout round, all the way to the final.
Why the Swiss-Model Format Matters
Unlike the old group format, the new system delivers more “must-watch” ties early on. Fans will see big matchups like Liverpool vs. Bayern Munich or Arsenal vs. Real Madrid in the league phase, rather than waiting until the quarterfinals.
It also allows struggling giants to recover. PSG, for instance, finished 15th last season but surged through the knockouts to thrash Inter Milan in the final—something that might not have been possible in the old setup.
Venue quirks also add intrigue: away trips to clubs like Bodø/Glimt in Norway or long-distance journeys to sides in Asia can be far tougher than they look on paper.
English Clubs: A New Challenge
For the first time ever, six Premier League teams are in the Champions League. They will be kept apart during the league phase due to country protection, but once the knockouts begin, they can face each other head-to-head.
Because of the draw mechanics, top non-English teams such as Real Madrid and Bayern Munich will be forced to play at least two English opponents during the league phase—raising the competitive stakes for everyone involved.
Who Are the Favorites?
- PSG: Defending champions with proven knockout pedigree.
- Manchester City & Arsenal: English contenders with stacked squads.
- Real Madrid & Bayern Munich: Traditional powerhouses with Champions League DNA.
The format guarantees more high-profile matches early, meaning every round will feel like a big occasion.
When Is the Champions League Draw?
The 2025 UEFA Champions League draw takes place today, with full fixtures revealed in the evening. Once the balls are drawn, fans will know the road to the knockout rounds.
Key Takeaway
The Swiss-model format makes the Champions League more unpredictable, competitive, and exciting than ever. With more heavyweight clashes, six Premier League entrants, and a fairer path to the final, the 2025 edition promises to be a must-watch for football fans worldwide.