Liverpool will face defending champions Real Madrid in their return to the UEFA Champions League, following the draw for the competition’s newly revamped format.
The draw, which took place in Monaco on Thursday, marks a significant change in the tournament’s structure, moving away from the traditional group stage to a ‘league phase.’ Each team will now play eight fixtures against different opponents.
Manchester City and Arsenal, last season’s semi-finalists, are set to face Paris Saint-Germain, while Aston Villa will take on Scottish champions Celtic.
The high-tech draw was conducted using a computer algorithm, with Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo having the honor of pressing the button to generate the fixtures.
A light-hearted UEFA video showcased various football stars expressing confusion over the new format, while Zlatan Ibrahimovic humorously endorsed the change for offering “more football” in an interaction with UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin.
A new era begins.
The best club competition in the world just got better.#UCLdraw || #UCL pic.twitter.com/XWcKlgrpLd
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) August 29, 2024
2024/25 UEFA Champions League Fixtures:
This new format promises more high-stakes football action as the competition unfolds.
