Champions League Kicks Off Today in New Format: Exciting League Stage Begins

 Staff Reporter | PNN

The revamped UEFA Champions League begins today. Last season, French club PSG set a record by winning the title for the first time, and this season’s league stage promises excitement, thrills, and drama.

In last season’s final, PSG defeated Italy’s Inter Milan 5–0 to become champions. Under the new format, the group stage has been removed and a 36-team league phase has been introduced. Each team will play against eight different opponents, four at home and four away, increasing risks even for top clubs in the first round.

Some of today’s key matches include:

• Bilbao vs Arsenal – 10:45 PM
  
  

• PSV vs Union Saint-Gilloise – 10:45 PM
  
  

• Real Madrid vs Marseille – 1:00 AM
  
  

• Juventus vs Dortmund – 1:00 AM
  
  

• Tottenham vs Villarreal – 1:00 AM
  
  

• Benfica vs Qarabag – 1:00 AM
  
  

The new format also provides opportunities for smaller clubs, allowing them to prove their abilities against Pot 4 teams.

The top 8 teams in the league phase will advance directly to the round of 16. Teams ranked 9 to 24 will compete in playoffs, with 8 more teams joining the round of 16.

Today, Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise makes its Champions League debut against Dutch club PSV Eindhoven. Additionally, if Real Madrid wins today, they will become the first team to reach 200 victories in the competition, and scoring 2 goals will bring their tally to 700 goals.

All matches will be broadcast live on Sony Sports Ten channels and the Sony LIV app.

League Stage Match Dates:

• Match Day 2: September 30–October 1, 2025
  
  

• Match Day 3: October 21–22, 2025
  
  

• Match Day 4: November 4–5, 2025
  
  

• Match Day 5: November 25–26, 2025
  
  

• Match Day 6: December 9–10, 2025
  
  

• Match Day 7: January 20–21, 2026
  
  

• Match Day 8: January 28, 2026