UEFA Champions League Draw How the Format Works

why do 36 top teams battle it out in the Champions League because only the best can claim the ultimate Glory this season the champions league is shaking things up with a brand new format Real Madrid will begin their Journey to the 16th they will repeat their last two Champions League finals with Dortmund and Liverpool say goodbye to the old group stages now each team faces eight thrilling fixtures against diverse opponents teams are seated into four pots based on their UFA coefficients adding a strategic twist the reigning Champs Real Madrid are leading the pack in pot one and here's the kicker no Premier League teams will face each other early on and clubs can only meet a maximum of two opponents from their own country the top eight teams move straight to the last 16 while those ranking 9th to 24th get a second shot in knockout playoffs it's a roller coaster ride to the top stay tuned as the road to Champions League Glory kicks off let the games again