what's up football fans UEFA just flipped the script on the Champions League format for the first time in over two decades the champions league is ditching the old group stage say hello to the new league phase an expanded field of 36 teams will now play eight matches in round robin format against opponents from different pots but wait there's more once you're out you're out no more dropping into the Europa or conference League mid-season this new format promises high stakes all the way through the top eight teams will Cruise directly into the round of 16 while teams ranked 9th to 24th will battle it out in playoffs for the remaining spots every match counts win or go home so gear up for a dynamic and unpredictable season that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish get ready for the new era of the Champions League