What the competition is
The single league ranking replaced the familiar groups of four. A club’s eight league-phase fixtures are individual matches against different opponents. That distinction explains why two teams beside each other in the standings may not have played each other. The top eight progress directly to the round of 16, while clubs placed ninth to 24th enter knockout phase play-offs. Qualification rounds before the league phase are another part of the competition, not additional league-phase matchdays.
Following the competition
A useful Champions League calendar separates league-phase matchdays, play-off legs and later knockout ties. During the league phase, the table is the main reference. In a two-leg tie, the aggregate score is more informative than the score of the current leg alone. UEFA publishes the dated competition regulations and fixture list; a change of stage can also change how a draw is resolved.
| Detail | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| League phase | 36 clubs share a table, without a full round robin. |
| Club programme | Eight different league-phase opponents. |
| Top eight | Direct progression to the round of 16. |
| Ninth to 24th | Knockout phase play-offs determine the remaining round-of-16 places. |
Questions about this guide
Does every club play the other 35 teams?
No. Each club has eight league-phase opponents.
Is a league-phase draw followed by penalties?
The league phase awards points; knockout resolution follows the rules for that later stage.