Liverpool Set for Champions League Return Under Revamped Format
Liverpool will make their return to the Champions League next season, finishing third in the Premier League and earning a spot in the revamped 2024-25 competition. After a season in the Europa League due to a fifth-place finish in 2022-23, the Reds are eager to chase their seventh Champions League title under the new format.
New ‘Swiss Model’ Format
The 2024-25 season marks the debut of the Champions League’s ‘Swiss model,’ replacing the traditional group stage. This new format features 36 teams, each playing eight fixtures—four home and four away—in a league system. The top eight teams will advance directly to the round-of-16 knockout stage. Teams finishing 9th to 24th will compete in two-legged ties for the remaining last-16 spots.
Key Dates and Structure
The league stage begins on September 17, with matches running until the end of January 2025. Liverpool, thanks to their seeding in Pot 1, are set for a potentially favorable draw. They will be among elite company including Manchester City, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Milan, Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig, and Barcelona.
Draw Mechanics
In a significant change, each team will face two opponents from each pot (Pot 1, Pot 2, Pot 3, and Pot 4). This means Liverpool could face high-caliber teams like Real Madrid, PSG, Bayern Munich, Barcelona, or Inter Milan. However, they won’t be able to play Manchester City until the round-of-16 due to the same-association rule.
Upcoming Draw
The draw for the league format will take place on August 29. Liverpool’s new head coach, Arne Slot, will hope to capitalize on their favorable seeding to navigate the revamped format successfully.
Liverpool fans can look forward to an exciting season as the Reds aim to conquer Europe once again under the innovative ‘Swiss model’ of the Champions League.
Liverpool Set for Champions League Return Under Revamped Format
Liverpool Coach Arne Slot Mocked for Bizarre Kick-off Routine: ‘What an Idiot
