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Explaining the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League system as Arsenal and Aston Villa aim to progress with Liverpool
The UEFA Champions League is – of course – slightly different this season.
Where UEFA used to adopt a system involving eight groups of four teams, the competition was expanded to 36 teams for the 2024/25 campaign, with all 36 bunched into one table.
Understandably, that has caused some confusion within the football world, with many supporters now unaware of what it takes to reach the Round of 16 automatically.
In that respect, let’s take a look at the new UEFA Champions League format in depth as the likes of Arsenal, Aston Villa and Manchester City attempt to join Liverpool in the Round of 16 during the final league clash.
Top eight UEFA Champions League sides qualify for Round of 16
You may recall how things used to work – the top two sides from each group qualified for the Round of 16, while whoever finished third moved into the UEFA Europa League, and fourth place completely dropped out of Europe.
Now, however, those who finish within the top eight of UEFA’s new 36-team mega table automatically progress into the Round of 16.
Furthermore, those who finish between ninth and 24th will enter into a two-legged playoff for a place in the Round of 16.
Any side who finish 25th or lower will be eliminated from Europe completely – with UEFA no longer placing any underperforming Champions League clubs into the Europa League as a consolation prize.
The Round of 16 and beyond has not been altered – so the knockout phases will remain as you are already accustomed to.
Liverpool currently boast a 100% record in the competition this season – so the Reds are already through – while Arsenal and Aston Villa will join them if they can remain in the top eight once matchday eight is over.
As you can see in the tweet above, Manchester City have work to do if they are to avoid a playoff for the Round of 16, with Pep Guardiola’s side currently languishing in 22nd place.
UEFA Champions League prize money
Regardless of how well Liverpool, Arsenal, Aston Villa and Manchester City do in the UEFA Champions League this season, each Premier League side have already received millions.
Liverpool have banked £10.8m after winning six out of six so far – while the Gunners and the Villans have netted £7.8m each thanks to their four wins and one draw.
Manchester City have only won twice and drawn twice – banking the Citizens £4.8m in prize money.