The new format, which began in the 2024/25 season, sees teams play eight matches in a league phase that has replaced the group stage.
Teams now play fixtures against eight different sides – two teams from Pots 1, 2, 3 and 4. Half of the eight league-phase matches are at home, with the other half away.
The draw is done by a supercomputer which automatically selects the eight opponents by one touch of a button. 
Who qualifies for the knockout rounds?
The top eight sides in the league will qualify automatically for the round of 16, while teams finishing 25th or lower are eliminated and do not drop into the Europa League.
The teams finishing in ninth to 24th place compete in a two-legged knockout-phase play-off. Teams finishing between ninth and 16th are seeded, meaning they will face a team in 17th-24th with the return leg at home.
The eight clubs who win their knockout-phase play-off each meet one of the seeded top-eight finishers in the league-phase table for a place in the quarter-finals.
Champions League league-phase match dates and schedule
Matchday 1: September 16-18
Matchday 2: September 30-October 1
Matchday 3: October 21/22
Matchday 4: November 4/5
Matchday 5: November 25/26
Matchday 6: December 9/10
Matchday 7: January 20/21
Matchday 8: January 28
Champions League knockout-phase match dates and schedule
The draw for the two-legged knockout-phase play-offs takes place on January 30 2026.
The draws for the round of 16, quarter-finals and semi-finals takes place on February 27.
Knockout phase play-offs: February 17/18 and 24/25
Round of 16: March 10/11 and 17/18
Quarter-finals: April 7/8 and 14/15
Semi-finals: April 28/29 and May 5/6
Final: May 30
When are where is the final?
The final will take place at the Puskas Arena in Hungary, Budapest on May 30 2026.
