How Does the Champions League League Phase Work?
The Champions League league phase places 36 clubs in one shared table. Each team plays eight matches against eight different opponents, with four games at home and four away. A win earns three points, a draw one point and a defeat none. After those eight games, the top eight clubs go directly into the round of 16. Teams finishing ninth to 24th enter the knockout phase play-offs, while those ranked 25th to 36th are eliminated. Unlike a traditional league, a club does not play every other team in the table. When clubs finish level on points, UEFA applies a sequence of tie-breakers. Goal difference comes first, followed by goals scored and away goals scored. Further criteria include wins and, if necessary, the combined results of a club’s opponents. A team’s position therefore depends on more than simply how many matches it wins. Sources: UEFA league-phase rules ; UEFA standings and tie-breakers .