New Champions League format explained and what it means for Arsenal next season

on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, while the Europa League and Conference League host games on Thursdays. But, during the newly-introduced exclusive match weeks, the Champions League will be played on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, the Europa League on Wednesday and Thursday, and the Conference League only on Thursday.

The final matchday in each competition will kick-off at the same time.

Important dates for your diary

The draw for the new-look league stage will take place on August 29, 2024, with match rounds pencilled in from September to January.

Matchday 1 – September 17 to 19, 2024

Matchday 2 – October 1 and October 2, 2024

Matchday 3 – October 22 and October 23, 2024

Matchday 4 – November 5 and November 6, 2024

Matchday 5 – November 26 and November 27, 2024

Matchday 6 – December 10 and December 11, 2024

Matchday 7 – January 21 and January 22, 2025

Matchday 8 – January 29, 2025

The draw for the knockout round play-offs, for the clubs finishing ninth to 24th, will be held on January 31, 2025, with the two legs set to be played on February 11/12 and February 18/19, 2025. The draw for the round of 16, quarter-finals and semi-finals will then take place on February 21, 2025.

Round of 16 – March 4/5 and March 11/12, 2025

Quarter-finals – April 8/9 and April 15/16, 2025

Semi-finals – April 29/30 and May 6/7, 2025

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Final – May 31, 2025

According to UEFA, dates are, of course, subject to change.

Prize

The 2024/25 Champions League winners book themselves a place in the league stage 2025/26 competition, if they haven't already done so via their domestic league position. With numerous Premier League teams vying for a place in the top four, success in