Champions League 2024/25 Preview: Big Money, New Rules, and Europe’s Elite

Last updated: September 13, 2024 by Leon Marshall

The 2024/25 Champions League season brings exciting changes, including a new format that sees 36 teams competing in a single league phase, replacing the traditional group stage. This article will explore the main format changes, the financial landscape influencing the competition, and the top teams to watch. I will highlight how these factors may shape one of the most unpredictable Champions League seasons in recent years.

The New Champions League Format

The 2024/25 season sees a new Champions League format, expanding from 32 to 36 teams. The most significant change is the shift from a traditional group stage to a single league phase.

Detailed explanation of the changes:

Instead of eight groups of four, all 36 teams will compete in one league, playing eight matches against different opponents (four home, four away). This increases match variety and opportunities for teams to face various opposition.

How it differs from the previous format:

Previously, teams were split into groups of four Champions league teams, each playing six group stage matches (three home, three away) against fixed opponents in their group. In the new Champions League format, the league phase offers a greater spread of fixtures, with the top teams facing opponents from across the league. For football purists, the changes are radical. Before the change, if Manchester City were drawn against Barcelona, they would enjoy home advantage in one game. They may be drawn against Barcelona in the new format, but they would only face them once, which could be at the Camp Nou. There wouldn’t be a game against them at the Etihad.

The top eight teams after the league phase will qualify directly for the Round of 16, while teams ranked 9th through 24th will compete in a two-legged play-off to secure the remaining knockout spots.

How these changes affect qualification, progression to knockout rounds:

The changes provide more qualification opportunities, with four additional slots in the league. Teams finishing in the top eight advance straight to the Round of 16, while the playoffs between 9th and 24th add a new competitive layer.

Once the knockout stage begins, the traditional two-legged format remains unchanged, making the progression both challenging and rewarding for teams navigating the playoffs.

• A 36-team “league” ranked by a single table.
• Each team plays eight games against two teams from four different pots.
• The top eight teams automatically qualify for the round of 16.
• Teams ranked 9th to 24th enter a two-legged play-off to reach the round of 16.
• Eight play-off winners move on to the round of 16, while the losers are eliminated.
• Teams ranked 25th to 36th are eliminated from all European competitions for the season.
• The familiar two-legged knockout format (round of 16, quarterfinals, and semifinals) returns to produce the two finalists.

Champions League 2024/25 – Teams to Watch

This year’s Champions League will showcase some of Europe’s strongest clubs aiming for glory. With Real Madrid as the 2024 champions, the competition remains fierce as teams like Manchester City, Bayern Munich, and Liverpool look to dethrone them.

10bet Liverpool to Win: at 14/1 VISIT SITE!

Top contenders:

Let’s look closer at the favourites and their odds at the best betting sites of lifting the prestigious trophy in 2024/25.

Manchester City (2/1)

FT: Manchester City 1-0 Inter.

MANCHESTER CITY HAVE WON THE UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THEIR HISTORY! 🌟 pic.twitter.com/AOfN2CLL2b

— 𝐀𝐅𝐂 𝐀𝐉𝐀𝐗 💎 (@TheEuropeanLad) June 10, 2023

After coming close by becoming runners-up in 2021, Manchester City finally secured their first Champions League title in 2023. With Pep Guardiola in charge and Erling Haaland scoring hattricks for fun, the bookies make them firm favourites this year at 2/1.

Real Madrid (7/2)

Real Madrid, with a record 15 Champions League titles, including their most recent triumph in 2024, continues to dominate European football. Their unparalleled success and consistency in the competition make them strong contenders, with bookmakers offering 7/2 odds for another title.

Arsenal (8/1)

Arsenal's road to the champions league final in 2006.

Can't believe they defeated Real Madrid on the Semi finals 👀
pic.twitter.com/U8Y0fVA6d9

— MR GEOFREY MAFFINIE 🇺🇬™ (@Maffinie2) August 20, 2024

After returning to the Champions League after a significant absence, Arsenal is keen to leave its mark on Europe. Despite having never won the competition—coming closest as runners-up in 2006—their current squad is brimming with talent and ambition. Bookmakers have placed their odds at 8/1, reflecting their potential to challenge Europe’s elite Champions League teams again.

Bayern Munich (12/1)

The six-time Champions League winners, most recently lifting the trophy in 2020, continue to rank among Europe’s elite. Known for their consistent performances and formidable squad, Bayern Munich are strong contenders for another title, reflected by their 12/1 odds. With England’s captain leading the line for the Germans, goals are almost guaranteed if he can stay fit.

Barcelona (12/1)

With five Champions League titles, the most recent being in 2015, Barcelona is eager to re-establish itself at the pinnacle of European football. Despite some challenges in recent seasons, their talented squad and rich history in the competition see them offered at 12/1 to claim another title this year.

Liverpool (14/1)

Saturday 1st June 2019
Estadio Metropolitano – Madrid

Champions League Final
⚪️ Tottenham 0-2 Liverpool🔴
🔴Salah 2' (p)
🔴Origi 87'

On this day in June, Jurgen Klopp guided us to our SIXTH Champions League trophy 🏆 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆

pic.twitter.com/RWnBeGwCqH

— FootyTone (@FootyTone) September 20, 2023

Liverpool, the most successful English club in European competition, has won six Champions League titles, most recently in 2019. It continues to be a dominant force in Europe. With a rich history and proud European legacy, Liverpool is set to challenge for another title, with odds of 14/1 this season, the new Champions League format may well suit them.

Paris Saint-Germain (20/1)

Despite still searching for their first Champions League title, PSG remains a strong European contender. They came close in 2020, finishing as runners-up, and aim to claim the top prize this season finally. With a talented squad and odds of 20/1, PSG seems to be abandoning the ‘Galácticos model’ for a French first tactic, and it will be interesting to see how far they can go.

Atletico Madrid (25/1)

Twice runners-up in recent years (2014 and 2016), Atlético Madrid has built a reputation for resilience and tactical discipline under Diego Simeone. Still seeking their first Champions League triumph, they enter the competition with odds of 25/1, aiming to break through and finally lift the coveted trophy.

Inter Milan (25/1)

On this day in 2010, José Mourinho led a 10 men Inter Milan side to the Champions League final after managing what is still the greatest defensive masterclass of all time.

One of the most iconic moments in football history.pic.twitter.com/F4nThqNofz

— IM🇵🇹 (@Iconic_Mourinho) April 27, 2022

Winners of the Champions League in 2010, Inter Milan reached the final again in 2023, showcasing their resurgence as a European powerhouse. With odds of 25/1, they will look to build on their recent momentum and challenge for their fourth European Cup title.

Borussia Dortmund (25/1)

Champions in 1997 and runners-up in 2013, Borussia Dortmund consistently poses a threat in Europe. Known for their dynamic play and youth talent, they enter this season with odds of 25/1, showcasing their potential as dangerous underdogs in the competition.

Juventus (33/1)

Juventus is one of Europe’s most storied clubs, with two Champions League titles (1985 and 1996). Despite recent struggles in the competition, they remain a perennial contender. Their odds of 33/1 reflect the challenge ahead, but with their history and experienced squad, Juventus can’t be ruled out.

Champions League 2024/25 – Potential Dark Horses

Several clubs outside the favourites could spring a surprise in this year’s competition. AC Milan (40/1) is a seven-time European champion and has recently reached the semi-finals, showing that it can still perform on the big stage.

Atalanta (50/1), known for their attacking flair, could cause upsets, while Aston Villa (66/1) make their return to European football under Unai Emery, a specialist in knockout competitions. Other dangerous outsiders include Benfica, RB Leipzig, and Sporting (all 100/1), teams with European pedigree and potential to shock more prominent names.

Monaco (100/1) and PSV (150/1) also present intriguing underdog stories.

Newcomers to the Competition

Several teams are making their debut for the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League or return after a long absence.

Aston Villa will walk out with the champions league anthem playing in less than a week #avfc pic.twitter.com/FqxVk2DRhL

— Charlie (@12cw04) September 12, 2024

Aston Villa (England), Bologna (Italy), and Girona (Spain) are among the standout newcomers. Aston Villa returns to Europe’s top competition for the first time in decades, while Bologna and Girona make their first-ever appearances in the Champions League.

Slovan Bratislava, from Slovakia, also makes its debut in the league stage and is priced at 1000/1 to win the competition. I would say, If they win, I’d pay the money myself, but I almost said the same thing about Leicester City in the Premier League in 2016!

British Teams in the 2024/25 Champions League

With five British teams entering the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League league phase, there’s plenty of interest in how they’ll perform against top European competition. In this section, we’ll look at who the British sides will face and highlight who is likely to be their biggest hurdle to qualifying.

Manchester City will face a range of opponents in the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League. Inter Milan and PSG are the most difficult, boasting star-studded squads and significant European experience. These encounters will undoubtedly test City’s ambitions to lift the trophy.

Juventus also bring a solid European pedigree, ensuring a competitive fixture. On the other hand, matches against Club Brugge, Feyenoord, Sporting CP, Sparta Praha, and Slovan Bratislava present more manageable tasks. These games allow City to rotate their squad while showcasing their quality and depth.

Liverpool are set for a challenging set of fixtures in the group stage. The key test will come against Real Madrid, who have been Liverpool’s Champions League nemesis in recent years.

Meanwhile, clashes with Leipzig, Leverkusen, and AC Milan will require Liverpool to be at their best, as these clubs bring solid European form and quality. Lille, PSV, Bologna, and Girona may appear less daunting, but they are far from easy games. Each side has the potential to spring surprises, meaning Liverpool must remain sharp throughout the campaign.

Arsenal faces a well-balanced group in the new Champions League format, with PSG and Inter Milan representing the most formidable challenges. Both clubs have strong European traditions, and Arsenal must be at the top of their game to secure points. Matches against Shakhtar Donetsk and Atalanta add further complexity, as both teams are known for their tactical flexibility and high-energy play. However, Arsenal’s fixtures against GNK Dinamo, Sporting CP, Monaco, and Girona present opportunities to gather crucial points. While these sides are competitive, Arsenal will be expected to capitalise if they manage their squad effectively.

Celtic are in for a challenging but exciting campaign. They’ll face two German powerhouses, Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund, which promise to be their sternest tests. Atalanta and English neighbours Aston Villa also offer complex challenges, with both clubs boasting tactical nous and depth. However, Celtic will find more winnable opportunities against Club Brugge, Young Boys, GNK Dinamo, and Slovan Bratislava. These games offer a good chance for the Scottish champions to build momentum and gather valuable points as they seek to progress.

After a long absence, Aston Villa will return to the Champions League and face some high-profile matchups. Bayern München and Juventus represent Villa’s most formidable opposition, both clubs being among Europe’s most successful. A clash with Leipzig will also test Villa’s mettle against one of Germany’s top sides. However, the fixtures against Club Brugge, Celtic, Young Boys, Bologna, and Monaco offer a more balanced challenge. These matches give Villa a solid chance to accumulate points and push for further progress in Europe.

Financial Differences in the Champions League

The Champions League features a vast disparity in the financial resources of competing clubs, from squad values to player salaries. These differences are critical in shaping the competition, with the top clubs boasting significantly higher budgets than smaller teams.

This section will examine the stark contrast between squad values, featuring the highest and lowest-valued teams and player salaries. I’ll ask if the disparity means the top clubs always win, or can those with lower budgets shock the elite of European football?

Champions League Squad Values

* Champions League squad values figures taken from www.transfermarkt.co.uk and are correct at time of publishing (13th September 2024). Clubs that are not featuring in the Champions League, such as Chelsea and Manchester United have been excluded from the list.

The table above showcases the top 10 squad values for teams competing in the 2024/25 Champions League, with Real Madrid leading at £1.05 billion and Manchester City at £0.99 billion. Real Madrid boasts the highest squad value, yet Manchester City is the bookmakers’ favourite with odds of 2/1. Despite Manchester City’s slightly lower squad value, their odds reflect their strong current form and favouritism.

As you can see in the table above, the top teams are packed with valuable players. Jude Bellingham is estimated to be worth over a staggering £154.8 million, along with Erling Haaland, Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappé.

Would you agree with these values of #Arsenal's most valuable XI?

According to Transfermarkt, this would be #AFC's most expensive line up.

Other notable values:
Mikel Merino: €50m
Oleksandr Zinchenko: €38m
Jurriën Timber: €38m
Raheem Sterling: €35m
Leandro Trossard: €35m pic.twitter.com/BbVGH7xT0N

— AFCC™ | Arsenal FC Community (@arsenalfc_cmnty) September 10, 2024

Arsenal (£0.91 billion) and Bayern Munich (£0.74 billion) have relatively high squad values but face longer odds of 8/1 and 12/1, respectively. This suggests that while squad value is a significant indicator, it does not fully capture a team’s chances of winning.

On the other hand, teams such as Paris Saint-Germain (£0.68 billion, 20/1 odds) and Inter Milan (£0.44 billion, 25/1 odds) exhibit a notable disparity between their squad values and their betting odds. This highlights that factors beyond squad value—such as recent form, management, and historical performance—play a crucial role in shaping betting odds.

Overall, while there is a general correlation between higher squad value and better odds, exceptions like Atletico Madrid (£0.49 billion, 25/1 odds) and Borussia Dortmund (£0.39 billion, 25/1 odds) illustrate that squad value alone does not determine a team’s likelihood of success in the tournament. This complexity underscores the multifaceted nature of football betting.

Lowest valued squads

We will now look at the other side of the spectrum and highlight the lowest-valued Champions League teams in the new Champions League format. These teams, despite their lower financial valuations, have the opportunity to challenge Europe’s elite

It probably won’t come as much of a surprise that the bookmakers’ odds largely reflect these lower squad values. For example, Slovan Bratislava has the lowest squad value and the longest odds to win the competition at 1000/1, while Sparta Prague, with a squad value of £61.62 million, is given odds of 400/1. This indicates that bookmakers consider financial resources a critical factor in determining a team’s chances, though surprises in football can never be ruled out.

Analysis of the Gap Between Highest & Lowest

The financial disparity between the top and lower-tier teams in the Champions League is vast. For example, Manchester City, with a squad value of £0.99 billion, has more than 47 times the value of Slovan Bratislava, whose squad is worth just £20.77 million. This significant financial gap highlights smaller teams’ challenges when competing against Europe’s elite, especially when you consider the difference in Champions League player salaries.

For example, Jude Bellingham is reported as earning £1m per month at Real Madrid. Compare this to the top earners at Slovan Bratislava.

Bellingham earns 50x David Strelec who is on ‘only’ £20,000 per week!

The financial power of teams like Manchester City, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich allows them to sign world-class players and maintain deep, high-quality squads. In contrast, smaller clubs like Slovan Bratislava and Sparta Prague must rely on more cost-effective strategies, often focusing on developing young talent or finding hidden gems.

This gap is visible in the transfer market and on the pitch, where wealthier teams can afford higher wages, attract top talent, and build squads capable of competing at the highest level for extended periods. Smaller clubs, however, may struggle to match this quality, which is often reflected in their performances in the tournament’s later stages, where financial resources play a pivotal role.

Nevertheless, football has repeatedly shown that while money helps, it does not always guarantee success, leaving room for upsets and surprises.

Financial Rewards of the Champions League

The 2024/25 UEFA Champions League offers substantial financial rewards, with a total Champions League prize money pool of £1.99 billion (€2.437 billion). This increase from the previous season is due to the expanded 36-team league phase.

Prize Money Breakdown (in GBP):

• Winner: £20.5m
• Runner-up: £15.17m
• Semi-finalists: £12.3m
• Quarter-finalists: £10.25m
• Round of 16: £9.02m
• League phase wins: £1.72m
• League phase draws: £574,000

Clubs participating in the 2024/25 Champions League have multiple ways to earn prize money. A large portion of the Champions League prize money is awarded based on each team’s performance during the competition.

Performance-related prize money accounts for 37.5% (£749.48m) of the total pool, a decrease from last season’s 55%. This reduction is due to the introduction of the value pillar, which now makes up 35% (£699.46m) of the total.

The remaining 27.5% of the prize pool, worth £549.4m, is shared equally among the 36 teams in the league phase. Each team is guaranteed £15.27m, consisting of an upfront payment of £14.65m and a balance of £615,000.

Additionally, teams will receive a league ranking bonus based on their final position. This bonus is divided into 666 shares, with the team finishing 36th receiving one share and the top team receiving 36 shares. The value of each share starts at £225,500, and any unused funds from drawn matches will increase the share value.

The value pillar is based on a club’s UEFA coefficient and media rights sales. It is divided into European and non-European portions. The European part is distributed based on how much each country’s broadcasters contribute to UEFA’s media revenue, with clubs ranked according to their performance over the last five seasons.

So while the jury will be out on the new Champions League format, it’s difficult to deny that clubs will financially benefit significantly.

TV rights and distribution

A substantial portion of the Champions League prize pool comes from global broadcasting rights. These TV deals are still to be finalised but will be distributed to associations based on their market share. This means leagues with larger audiences, like the Premier League, will receive a more significant share of the revenue compared to smaller federations with fewer viewers. It’s not just the clubs in European competitions that benefit financially. UEFA allocates significant money each year for solidarity payments, which support youth development and community projects across Europe.

For the 2024/25 season, £263.1m will be distributed to clubs across the continent. Of this, 80% will go to countries with at least one team in the Champions League league phase, while the remaining 20% will be allocated to associations without any participating clubs.

Historical Performance Of High-Value Vs. Low-Value Teams

In past Champions League seasons, lower-budget teams like Ajax in 2018/19, Porto in 2003/04, and Borussia Dortmund in 2012/13 have defied expectations by competing against high-value clubs. Ajax reached the semi-finals in 2019 with a young, talented squad, while Porto’s stunning 2004 victory under José Mourinho remains one of the greatest underdog triumphs.

Similarly, Dortmund made a surprise run to the 2013 final, showing that even with smaller budgets, teams can challenge Europe’s elite through tactical brilliance and team cohesion.

However, as you can see from the table above, a team with a smaller budget winning or reaching the final of the Champions League is very much the exception. The five clubs that have won the Champions League the most are among the world’s wealthiest clubs and have the most expensive players.

Potential for upsets

As we enter the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League league phase, certain matchups could present opportunities for upset in the new Champions League format.

Fixtures like Slovan Bratislava vs Manchester City and GNK Dinamo vs Bayern Munich may appear one-sided, but surprises in football are always possible.

Smaller Champions League teams, especially at home, have been known to rise to the occasion against Europe’s elite.

Upsets are more likely to occur towards the end of the league phase. By that stage, some of the ‘bigger’ teams may have already secured qualification to the knockout rounds, potentially rotating their squads. This could offer underdog teams a chance to capitalise on complacency and pull off a shock result, making these late fixtures intriguing to watch and good to bet on.

Conclusion – Champions League – New Format Same Entertainment

The 2024/25 Champions League introduces a significant change, with 36 teams now competing in a single league phase instead of the traditional group stage. This new format not only provides more match variety but also increases the level of competition as teams face a broader range of opponents.

The top eight teams will progress directly to the Round of 16, while those ranked 9th to 24th will battle in a play-off to secure their knockout stage spots. According to bookmakers, favourites such as Manchester City, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Liverpool are expected to lead the charge.

A key theme throughout the competition is the financial disparity between Europe’s wealthiest clubs, like Real Madrid and Manchester City, and smaller teams like Slovan Bratislava and Sparta Prague. While squad value plays a significant role in shaping a team’s chances of success, history has shown that upsets are possible, with underdogs sometimes making unexpected deep runs in the tournament.

Looking ahead, this financial imbalance may influence outcomes, but the new format offers more opportunities for surprises with its increased match variety.

The mix of Europe’s elite and emerging challengers ensures that the 2024/25 Champions League season will be thrilling and unpredictable.

Even the financial giants could face unexpected hurdles in the new Champions League format, proving lucrative for football fans who back the upset at football betting sites.