The UEFA Champions League is the most celebrated club tournament in the world, and has been won most-often by Real Madrid, who extended their own record tally by beating Borussia Dortmund at Wembley in 2024. For the 2024-25 season we also see a new format (explained below) as the league phase will bring a totally different look to the tournament.

The UEFA Champions League returns Tuesday, Feb. 11 with the first set of knockout stage playoff games. The first legs will wrap up Wednesday, Feb. 12 with the return fixtures taking place a week later.

The league phase has already been beneficial to plenty. Leaders Liverpool are almost assured of finishing at the summit, bringing in at least €9.9m in a ranking bonus, as well as their seven wins being worth an additional €14.7m. Not to be sneezed at when there is also the €18.6m equal share they have been allotted.