Posiciones de Champions League 2024-25
The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) hosts the most prominent club football competition in Europe every year: the UEFA Champions League (UCL). Through a series of fiercely competitive matches, the event, which features elite teams from several European leagues, chooses the best club in Europe.
The 70th season of Europe’s most prestigious club football competition, the UEFA Champions League, is set to begin in 2024–2025. Since the competition was renamed from the European Champion Clubs’ Cup, this is the 33rd edition. With 36 clubs in the league phase and more games overall, this season presents a whole new model. Fans can anticipate a thrilling and challenging season ahead as elite clubs from all around Europe compete for the prized championship.
New Format and Key Changes
For the first time, the UEFA Champions League features a new league format. Here’s what’s changing:
Expanded Group Stage: The traditional group stage has been replaced by a single-league phase, featuring 36 teams instead of 32.
More Matches: Each team plays eight different opponents instead of the previous six in the group stage.
Qualification: The top 8 teams from the league phase automatically qualify for the knockout rounds, while teams ranked 9th to 24th enter a playoff round for a chance to advance.
Total Matches: The total number of games increases from 125 to 189, making the competition even more intense and thrilling.
Current Standings Overview
As of January 29, 2025, the league phase concluded with the following top standings:
- Liverpool: Dominated the league phase with seven wins and one loss, accumulating 21 points and a goal difference of +12.
- FC Barcelona: Secured six wins, one draw, and one loss, totaling 19 points with a +15 goal difference.
- Arsenal: Matched Barcelona’s record but with a +13 goal difference, placing them third.
- Inter Milan: Also achieved 19 points, with a +10 goal difference.
- Atlético Madrid: Finished with 18 points and a +8 goal difference.
These teams have showcased consistent performances, securing their advancement to the Round of 16.
Playoff Matches and Implications
Teams finishing between 9th and 24th are set to compete in playoff matches to determine who advances to the Round of 16. Notable fixtures include:
- Manchester City vs. Real Madrid: A highly anticipated clash between two European giants.
- Juventus vs. PSV Eindhoven: Both teams will be eager to prove their mettle and secure progression.
- Celtic vs. Bayern Munich: Celtic faces a formidable challenge against the German champions.
These playoffs are scheduled for February, with the first legs on the 11th and 12th, followed by the second legs on the 18th and 19th.
Key Performances and Surprises
The league phase witnessed several standout performances and unexpected outcomes:
- Lille and Aston Villa: Both teams exceeded expectations by finishing in the top eight, showcasing impressive form throughout the league phase.
- Traditional Powerhouses in Playoffs: Notably, teams like Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain did not secure automatic advancement and must navigate the playoffs to continue their Champions League journey.
Top Goal Scorers
Individual brilliance has also been on display, with several players making significant contributions:
- Erling Haaland (Manchester City): Continues to be a prolific scorer, leading the charts with multiple goals.
- Robert Lewandowski (FC Barcelona): The veteran striker has been instrumental in Barcelona’s successful league phase campaign.
- Mohamed Salah (Liverpool): His consistent performances have been pivotal in Liverpool’s dominance.
Final:
31 May 2025 at Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany
Road to the Final
The 2024–25 UEFA Champions League final will take place at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, a venue renowned for its electrifying atmosphere. The winners of this prestigious tournament will:
Secure direct qualification for the 2025–26 UEFA Champions League league phase.
Compete in the 2025 FIFA Intercontinental Cup Finals.
Enter the group stage of the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup.
Face off against the Europa League winners in the 2025 UEFA Super Cup.
Defending Champions
The reigning champions are Real Madrid, who won their 15th UEFA Champions League trophy last season, setting a new record. They will continue to be among the leading contenders in the 2024–25 season, although they will have fierce competition from European powerhouses like Liverpool, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Barcelona, and PSG.
