Tue Sep 16 16:00:00 UTC 2025: **Champions League Kicks Off with Record Six English Teams Under New Format**

**Tuesday, September 16, 2025, 09:56 UK**

The UEFA Champions League returns today, featuring a revamped league-phase format and a historic six English clubs vying for the coveted title. Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, and Newcastle United will battle across Europe in eight matches each, hoping to navigate the complex qualification system.

This marks the second year of the new 36-team league format, replacing the traditional group stage. Instead of being divided into groups, all teams are ranked in a single table. Teams earn three points for a win and one for a draw, but the road to the knockout stage is far from simple.

The top eight teams in the league table after eight matchdays will advance directly to the round of 16. Teams finishing in 9th to 24th place will face a two-legged play-off to determine their place in the knockout rounds. The bottom 12 teams will be eliminated from European competition altogether.

England’s unprecedented six representatives are Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea, and Newcastle United, all qualifying through their Premier League performance, with Tottenham Hotspur entering as Europa League champions. Newcastle secured their spot thanks to UEFA’s new European Performance Spots system, which awards extra Champions League berths to the two leagues with the best overall performance in UEFA competitions. Newcastle finished fifth in the Premier League, edging out Aston Villa.

According to Opta’s supercomputer, Liverpool are the favorites to win the competition, with a 20.4% chance and a 95.3% probability of reaching the round of 16. Arsenal follow closely with a 14.5% chance of winning and a 93.6% chance of progressing. Manchester City, the 2023 champions, are ranked fifth at 8.6%, while Chelsea is just behind at 7.3%. Newcastle has a 3.2% chance, and Spurs are ranked 13th at 1.2%.

Early momentum will be crucial. Last season, 16 points from eight games practically guaranteed a top-eight finish, with 15 points usually enough. Ten points virtually secured a play-off spot, while anything less than eight points put clubs on the brink of elimination.

Matchday 1 kicks off today, September 16th, and the competition will culminate with the final in Budapest on May 30, 2026.

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