Frank Christian
The UEFA Champions League competition brings together Europe’s elite clubs, and this season’s revamped format promises exciting matchups right from the group stage.
Unlike previous formats, this season features Pot 1 teams facing off early in the league phase, setting the stage for compelling clashes before the knockout rounds. Legends Gianluigi Buffon and Cristiano Ronaldo revealed the schedule for the teams, who will compete in eight games to secure a spot in the Round of 16 or the playoff round.
The Sporting News has highlighted the standout matches from the 144 league-phase fixtures of the 2024/25 Champions League, brimming with big clubs and captivating storylines.
Biggest games of Champions League league phase 2024/25
Key Matches to Watch
Highlight: Liverpool vs. Real Madrid — Exciting showdown at Anfield
A marquee matchup in the new format sees Real Madrid facing Liverpool at Anfield. While Liverpool aims to assert themselves post-Klopp era, Real Madrid, bolstered by key additions like Kylian Mbappe, are looking to continue their winning streak.
Intriguing Narrative: Liverpool vs. Bayer Leverkusen — Xabi Alonso’s return to former club
Bayer Leverkusen, under Xabi Alonso, is keen to build on their recent success and face a challenging test against Liverpool, promising exciting games for fans.
Pivotal Fixture: PSG vs. Atletico Madrid — Crucial match for securing top-eight spot
PSG and Atletico Madrid clash in a match pivotal for securing a spot in the top eight. Both teams need points to advance to the Round of 16, adding intensity to the encounter.
Tough Run: PSG vs. Man City, Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid, and Arsenal — Challenging fixtures ahead for PSG
PSG faces a tough lineup with matches against top clubs, making their journey to the knockout stage a challenging one despite their star-studded roster.
Electric Atmosphere: Borussia Dortmund vs. Barcelona — Exciting clash in Dortmund’s spirited environment
Barcelona’s visit to Borussia Dortmund promises a thrilling match in front of the renowned Yellow Wall, setting the stage for an intense and crucial encounter for both teams.
Newcomers’ Debut: Aston Villa vs. Bayern Munich & Juventus, Girona vs. Liverpool & Arsenal
Two underdog teams, Aston Villa and Girona, face European giants in their debut Champions League games, providing fans with exciting matchups and the clubs with significant challenges.
Fascinating Duels: Atalanta vs. Celtic
Atalanta faces Celtic in a match where both teams seek to make an impact in the competition, laying the groundwork for an engaging battle for valuable points.
Best Pot 4 Encounter: AS Monaco vs. Aston Villa
Aston Villa faces a tough test against AS Monaco, a strong side aiming for success in Europe, setting the stage for a crucial match in their Champions League campaign.
How to Purchase Champions League Tickets 2024/25
Once the schedule is confirmed, fans can buy Champions League tickets through participating clubs. For additional options, platforms like StubHub International offer ticket sales to these highly anticipated European fixtures.
