What is the Champions League?
The UEFA Champions League is the top-tier European club football competition organised by UEFA. Clubs qualify based on their performance in domestic leagues and compete in a group stage followed by knockout rounds, culminating in the final.
2025/2026 format
From the 2024/25 season, the competition uses a new "league phase" format: 36 teams take part in a single league table, with each team playing 8 matches (4 home, 4 away). The top 8 advance to the round of 16; teams ranked 9–24 enter a play-off round. Knockout stages (round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, final) remain two-legged except the final.
History
The competition was launched in 1955 as the European Champion Clubs' Cup. It was renamed the UEFA Champions League in 1992 and has grown into one of the most watched sporting events in the world. Real Madrid have won the trophy more times than any other club.