The UEFA Champions League is the most celebrated club tournament in the world, and has been won most-often by Real Madrid, who extended their own record tally by beating Borussia Dortmund at Wembley in 2024. For the 2024-25 season we also see a new format (explained below) as the league phase will bring a totally different look to the tournament.

Aston Villa & Borussia Dortmund: Both teams have started brightly with a +3 goal difference. Aston Villa, making a rare appearance in the Champions League, has shown they belong in Europe’s elite, while Dortmund’s experience keeps them steady at the top. Both clubs have solidified their positions early in the competition.

After match day one of the newly formatted Champions League, our writers answer the burning questions, provide analysis and break down performances.

The UEFA Champions League is up and running in its new expansive format with 36 teams spread across one giant table instead of eight groups of four teams each (32 clubs in all). There are quite a few things that are new: number of teams,

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone says the new Champions League format “forces us to win”. The new-look 36-team league phase of Europe’s elite club competition commenced this week, replacing the previous group stage format.

Diego Simeone believes the new UEFA Champions League format will force teams to try and win more games.Atletico Madrid kicked off their European campaign with a 2-1 home win over Bundesliga side RB