The thrilling new season of the UEFA Champions League kicks off today with six opening matches featuring Europe’s top clubs. Last season introduced a revamped format and crowned a new champion. The 2024-25 final saw Paris Saint-Germain dominate Inter Milan 5-0, the largest winning margin in a Champions League final, yet PSG nearly faced elimination in the group stage, adding to the unpredictability.
This season’s format includes a 36-team league phase, replacing the previous eight-group system. Each team plays eight matches against eight different opponents from four pots based on club rankings. Unlike past seasons with home and away games per group rival, the single-match format adds intensity. The top eight teams in the league table will qualify directly for the knockout stage, while teams ranked 9 through 24 will contest play-offs for the remaining last-16 spots.
Today’s fixtures include Arsenal facing Athletic Bilbao, Real Madrid taking on Marseille, Juventus against Borussia Dortmund, and Tottenham Hotspur hosting Villarreal. Belgian newcomers Union Saint-Gilloise make their Champions League debut today against Dutch side PSV Eindhoven.
Champions League schedule (CET):
- Athletic Bilbao vs. Arsenal (21:45)
- PSV Eindhoven vs. Union Saint-Gilloise (21:45)
- Real Madrid vs. Marseille (1:00)
- Juventus vs. Borussia Dortmund (1:00)
- Tottenham Hotspur vs. Villarreal (1:00)
- Benfica vs. Qarabağ (1:00)
The competition promises high drama and fierce battles as Europe’s elite clubs fight for continental glory in this new, exciting format. Fans worldwide will be eagerly watching to see which teams emerge strongest in this reimagined Champions League season.
