The Champions League group stage draw is changing, we explain.
For those who don’t know yet, the Champions League is getting a makeover this year with a sort of mini championship. The teams will now play eight group matches, against two teams from the four pots, to try to qualify directly for the round of 16 of the competition. There are 36 clubs that will play in the most prestigious competition to try to lift the cup.
As has been mentioned for several weeks, the draw will be automatic due to the large number of teams to be drawn in the event of a regular draw. A team will only be able to face two teams, at most, from the same country during the group stage. In detail, each team will face two teams from each of the four pots, with four home matches and four away matches.
The draw for the final stages will, however, still be in a completely manual format. From the round of 16 onwards, all teams, even those from the same championship, will be able to meet, promising potentially explosive clashes.
What date is the group stage draw?
As announced several weeks ago, the draw for the group stage of the Champions League will take place on Thursday, August 29.