The draw for the revamped Champions League league phase is now complete after a lengthy ceremony. The new format promises exciting games as well as some less appealing ones before the competition kicks off next month.
You can find an explanation of the new format here. Here’s what our experts thought of the draw:
What was your draw highlight — or lowlight?
Oli Kay: I appreciated the video explaining the format, even though it seemed more elaborate than the actual format itself. It felt like watching a well-produced campaign video from a party whose policies you disagree with.
Carl Anka: Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s attempt at acting was memorable. His reference to a “Super Le–” was promptly shut down by UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin.
Pol Ballus: The sight of club representatives taking photos after the draw seemed to reflect the overwhelming task of processing all the team match-ups they were assigned.
Seb Stafford-Bloor: The fixture-generation process was interesting, but the excessive dramatics of the draw ceremony left a lasting impression. It took 37 minutes before a team was even drawn!
Thom Harris: Also, Zlatan’s acting.
Cristiano Ronaldo with UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin (Valery Hache/AFP via Getty Images)
Are you a fan of this new format?
Kay: No, I dislike it. The increased number of matches and lack of genuine competition in the earlier stages raise concerns about fixture congestion and financial inequality.
Anka: Ilkay Gundogan’s remarks about the new format being lesser evil compared to the Super League resonates. The format prioritizes revenue over sporting integrity.
Ballus: Overall, not a fan. The format complicates the tournament, adds to fixture congestion, and dilutes the group stage aura.
Stafford-Bloor: I’m cautious. The format aims for more games but risks undermining the essence of the competition. The focus seems more on commercial gains than sporting excellence.
Harris: Mixed feelings. While the variety of games is appealing, the convoluted format and emphasis on revenue ahead of competition quality give cause for skepticism.
Which games are you most looking forward to watching?
Kay: Aston Villa v Bayern Munich, a clash reminiscent of the 1982 European Cup final, is a standout for me.
Anka: Bayer Leverkusen v Inter Milan promises an intriguing battle of tactical styles.
Ballus: PSG vs Manchester City, with Luis Enrique and Pep Guardiola facing off, is a must-watch.
Stafford-Bloor: Bayern Munich vs PSG, a clash of teams in transition with intriguing storylines.
Harris: Arsenal vs PSG, featuring a youthful Paris Saint Germain squad, is another exciting match-up.
Which of the traditional elite is most at risk of not making it to the last 16?
Kay: While not part of the traditional elite, Paris Saint-Germain faces a tough draw against top teams like Manchester City, Bayern Munich, and Arsenal.
Anka: Up-and-coming teams like Girona, Bologna, and Stuttgart may struggle, along with AC Milan who haven’t started well.
Ballus: PSG and RB Leipzig seem to have challenging paths to the last 16.
Stafford-Bloor: Barcelona’s early form is concerning, especially with key injuries affecting their performance.
Are Barcelona really convincing? (Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
Harris: Liverpool faces a tough draw, with competitive matches against teams like PSV Eindhoven and RB Leipzig.
Which player could break through to become a major star in this group stage?
Kay: Morgan Rogers of Aston Villa stands out as a player who thrives on big stages.
Anka: Aston Villa’s campaign, especially players like Rogers and Jacob Ramsey, could make a significant impact.
Ballus: Keep an eye on Yaser Asprilla of Girona, who is expected to shine in the absence of key players.
Stafford-Bloor: Enzo Millot of Stuttgart could emerge as a star with his quick development and tactical awareness.
Enzo Millot is one to watch at Stuttgart (Sascha Schuermann/AFP via Getty Images)
Harris: Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting has the potential to make a mark in the Champions League with his goal-scoring prowess.
Which stadium in this year’s competition would you most like to watch a game at?
Kay: Villa Park holds special significance for the fans, offering a memorable European experience.
Villa Park welcomes back Europe’s elite this season (Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
Anka: The Stadio Renato Dall’Ara in Bologna is architecturally stunning and has witnessed some historic moments.
Ballus: Villa Park stands out for its unique atmosphere and the resurgence of Aston Villa in European competition.
Stafford-Bloor: The renovated Neckarstadion in Stuttgart offers an intense atmosphere perfect for the Champions League.
Harris: While not a host venue, the Stade Francis Le Ble in Brest is a charming ground, though games will be played in Guingamp due to UEFA restrictions. Aston Villa’s Holte End is another exciting venue.
Rank your top eight in finishing order
Kay: Manchester City, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid, Arsenal, Liverpool, Inter Milan, Aston Villa.
Anka: Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, Liverpool, Inter Milan, Leverkusen.
Ballus: Manchester City, Real Madrid, Liverpool, Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Inter.
Stafford-Bloor: Manchester City, Real Madrid, Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen, Atletico Madrid, Inter.
Harris: Manchester City, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayer Leverkusen, Barcelona, Juventus.
What are the key dates?
Matchday 1: Sep 17-19, Matchday 2: Oct 1-2, Matchday 3: Oct 22-23, Matchday 4: Nov 5-6, Matchday 5: Nov 26-27, Matchday 6: Dec 10-11, Matchday 7: Jan 21-22, Matchday 8: Jan 29
Knockout round play-offs: Feb 11-12 and 18-19, Round of 16: March 4-5 and 11-12, Quarter-finals: April 8-9 and 15-16, Semi-finals: April 29-30 and May 6-7, Final: May 31
(Top photo: Valery Hache/AFP via Getty Images)