The UEFA Champions League has adopted a new format from the 2024-25 season, featuring a single 36-team league phase. Following this, the top eight clubs automatically progress to the Round of 16. [3, 9] Teams finishing between ninth and 24th in the league table must compete in a two-legged knockout play-off round to secure a place in the last 16. [3, 9]
This play-off stage, which commences this week, sees seeded teams (ranked ninth to 16th) face unseeded opponents (ranked 17th to 24th). [3, 7] The seeded clubs benefit from playing the second leg at home. [9] Failure to advance means elimination from European competition entirely, unlike previous formats where teams might drop into the Europa League. [3]
Financially, reaching the league phase guarantees clubs at least €18.62 million. [16] Progressing through the play-offs adds further prize money and boosts a club's profile. [5, 11] However, the early competitive matches add pressure and can disrupt domestic schedules for teams hoping to reach the final in Budapest on May 30, 2026. [14, 17]
