European soccer’s most highly regarded and prestigious competition is the UEFA Champions League (UCL). Over its 65-year history, the competition, which features the top teams in Europe each year, has produced many magical moments. Around 400 million people watch the final globally, more than 200 million more than the Super Bowl.
This article provides a comprehensive guide to the champions league, including how teams qualify, how the tournament is organized, and the different stages of the competition. It’s an excellent resource for anyone looking to get started with the champions league or brush up on their knowledge.
1. Qualification Format And Knockout Stages
If “pubs showing champions league near me” is among your search history, you should also know that knockout games begin in February with Round 16 and run over two legs. Teams from the same member association cannot be drawn against each other—the team having the better aggregate score advances.
In case teams are tied after their two games, the away goals rule is enforced, where the team that scored the most times in the visiting leg advances.
The quarterfinals and semifinals are similarly two-legged matches that employ the away goals system; however, the drawings for these rounds are random and do not consider the team’s member association. Ultimately, the last two teams meet in the single-match final in May in that season’s designated stadium.
2. Champions Of The Last 10 Years
These teams represent some of Europe’s top club football squads during the past ten years, with Real Madrid dominating the field, winning four titles in 2014, 2016, 2017, and 2018, followed by Bayern Munich with two, in 2013 and 2020; and by Barcelona in 2015, Liverpool in 2019, Chelsea in 2021, and PSG in 2022, each winning one championship.
3. Group Stage
Eight groups of four teams each comprise the 32 teams in the champions league group stage—the top two teams from each group advance to the knockout stage following the home and away format. Teams can demonstrate their abilities and build momentum before the knockout rounds during the group stage.
4. Prize Money
The competing teams split the champions league prize money, with the winner taking home the lion’s share. The prize money aids in defraying the expenditures incurred by the teams to take part in the competition, such as travel and lodging. This monetary assistance is essential for the clubs, particularly those from lower leagues, as it helps to level the playing field and ensures that the rivalry is still fierce.
5. Official Anthem
Every game in the champions league is preceded by playing the competition’s official anthem. Tony Britten wrote the anthem, which was first played in 1992. Fans of the league will recognize the anthem, which ups the intensity and ambiance of the games.
The Champions League Is Worth Watching!
Through the years, the champions league has produced countless memorable moments and has been won by some of the greatest clubs in football history. The competition is a thrilling and highly anticipated event for millions of football fans worldwide.