Champions League: what are the qualifying phases?

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By: Manu Tournoux

Champions League: what are the qualifying phases?

Each stage of the Champions League is punctuated with suspense and victories. Although it is one of the most followed football competitions, many still get lost in the different qualifying phases. Focus on the steps leading to the coveted title.

Qualifying rounds

The qualifying rounds are the first step to take in hoping to climb the steps of the Champions League podium. This is an opportunity for little-known clubs to secure a place in the prestigious competition.

Indeed, 26 of the 32 participating teams are automatically qualified following their previous victories in the various championships of the season which has just ended. This means that favorites remain favorites. Depending on the platforms sport bets such as Betway and its bookmakers, Manchester City presents chances to repeat its victory from 2022-2023 for the 2023-2024 season.

For their part, the six remaining teams compete in two-legged play-off matches to secure a ticket to the group stage of the Champions League. Those who fail to reach the next stage join their little frtime; the Europa League.

Group stages

The group stages correspond to the elimination stage itself. The competing teams are then divided into four hats during a draw broadcast live on television channels. Victory is achieved by accumulating a maximum number of points during home and away matches, i.e. home and away. The two winners of each hat will join the knockout phase, which begins with the 1/8 finals.

With 36 teams competing, changes are planned from the 2024-2025 season.

Knockout rounds

As their name suggests, the knockout rounds are eliminated in the event of failure in both home and away matches. They bring together 16 teams competing to reach the quarters, semi-finals and finals.

The round of 16 corresponds to the match of the winner of one group against the runner-up of another group. The distribution of matches is done by drawing lots during the course, knowing that they cannot confront two clubs from the same nation nor two clubs having played in the same group in the group stage.

The remaining final stages then take place based on the winners of each event. Note that the location of the decisive match is defined in advance and varies each year.

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Manu Tournoux

Manu Tournoux is a passionate and knowledgeable football enthusiast with a special focus on French football. Born and raised in France, Manu discovered his love for the beautiful game at a young age and developed a deep understanding of the ins and outs of "Le Championnat." His French roots and extensive experience in football journalism have made him an invaluable asset to the French Football Weekly team. As an author for the website, Manu's expertise includes not only in-depth analysis of Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 matches but also insightful profiles of up-and-coming talents, detailed transfer news, and engaging coverage of the French national team. His captivating writing style and undeniable passion for the game have earned him a loyal following among our readers. When he's not crafting engaging articles for French Football Weekly, Manu enjoys attending live matches whenever he can, exploring football culture in various French cities, and engaging in spirited debates with fellow fans. Feel free to follow Manu on Twitter and interact with him as he shares his expert opinions, insights, and love for French football.

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