The new super Champions League 2024/25 has begun, and with it, a new format that sees all 36 participating teams included in a single large ranking. Each club will face eight matches, with four at home and four away, and the results will compose a single ranking that will lead to the teams being divided into three large groups in preparation for the possible continuation of the competition.
The top eight teams will directly enter the direct elimination phase, starting from the round of 16. The teams that finish between 9th and 24th will enter the playoff phase, where, in a double round-trip direct elimination match, the second eight teams will emerge and advance to the round of 16. Meanwhile, the teams ranked 25th to 36th will be definitively eliminated from the Champions League and will see their European journey end.
But what happens if one or more teams end on equal points? It will be impossible to use the yardstick of direct clashes, given that not all teams will play against all others, and each clash will be a single match, not home and away. Consequently, eight other parameters were established: goal difference, goals scored, number of wins, number of away wins, higher number of points obtained by the opponents in this phase, higher goal difference of the opponents in this phase, higher number of goals scored by the opponents in this phase, and total disciplinary score.
UEFA’s coefficient will also be taken into account. The ranking will certainly not be easy to decipher, and the European football governing body has provided a comprehensive set of rules to ensure a fair and transparent competition. As the matches unfold, updates will be provided, and the ranking will be updated live during and at the end of each match and each day. One thing is certain: it will be a thrilling competition.
