The Champions League is back with its new format after a dramatic first year that ended with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) lifting the trophy for the first time.
The action starts Tuesday, with games spread over three days.
PSG’s Big Win
PSG won the final in May with a historic 5-0 victory over Inter Milan, the biggest scoreline in a Champions League final. Their path wasn’t easy though—they almost got knocked out in the first stage.
That kind of uncertainty is exactly what UEFA wanted when they changed the format. Instead of predictable group stages, the new setup made every game important, with big clubs like Real Madrid, Manchester City, and PSG struggling to secure their spots.
How the New Format Works
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36 teams compete in one big league phase, replacing the old group stage.
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Each team plays eight different opponents, one game each.
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Teams are matched through four “pots” based on ranking. For example, PSG had to face Barcelona and Bayern Munich early.
This means more games between top clubs right from the start.
Better Chances for Smaller Teams
Lower-ranked teams benefit too. They face others at their level instead of only being crushed by giants. Last season, Brest and Brugge reached the playoffs, though some like Young Boys and Slovan Bratislava didn’t manage a single point.
Who Advances?
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Top 8 teams go straight to the round of 16.
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The next 16 teams enter playoffs to decide the remaining spots.
For example, last year Madrid and Manchester City faced each other in the playoffs, and City was eliminated.
League Table Isn’t Everything
Liverpool finished first in the league phase, while PSG barely made it through. Yet PSG went on to beat Liverpool in the round of 16 and eventually won the trophy.
As Liverpool coach Arne Slot put it, his team was just “unlucky” to run into PSG so early.
Big Games Coming Up
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Wednesday: Chelsea visits Bayern Munich, PSG faces Atalanta, and Liverpool plays Atletico Madrid.
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Thursday: Newcastle hosts Barcelona, while Manchester City takes on Napoli.
Can PSG Defend the Title?
PSG finally conquered Europe, but keeping the trophy won’t be easy. Only Real Madrid has managed to defend the title in the modern Champions League era.
Other big teams have strengthened:
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Liverpool spent around $500 million on new players.
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Real Madrid now has Xabi Alonso as coach.
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Manchester City also rebuilt, spending about $500 million since January.
Final Details
The 2026 Champions League final will be played on May 30 at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest.
Also read Barcelona Thrash Valencia 6-0 as Raphinha and Lewandowski Shine
