Fans can expect a very different Champions League draw (Image: Getty)
The Champions League is set for a new era as UEFA revamps its premier competition. The traditional group stage has been replaced with a league format, featuring 36 teams vying for knockout qualification.
Each team will face eight different opponents, aiming to accumulate as many points as possible. The draw, which has also undergone changes, will kick off the updated proceedings.
We’ve got you covered with all the necessary information about the new format – as well as details on how to watch the draw from wherever you are in the world.
When is the Champions League draw?
The Champions League draw is scheduled for today, Thursday, August 29, following the finalisation of the 36-team roster with the last qualifier play-offs on Wednesday evening.
What time is the Champions League draw?
UK-based fans should tune in at 5pm (BST) for the start of the draw, taking place at 6pm local time at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco.
UEFA’s new format may take some getting the head around (Image: Getty)
How can I watch the Champions League draw?
TNT Sports, who hold the UK TV rights for the European competitions once again this season, will broadcast the draw on their channels. However, no one needs to miss out.
The draw will also be live-streamed on their YouTube channel and on UEFA.com. Additionally, the BBC Sport website will air it following their agreement for a new Champions League highlights show.
Who is in the Champions League draw?
The group stage of the Champions League will feature 29 automatic qualifiers, including last season’s Premier League top four – Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool and Aston Villa. From Europe’s other top leagues, La Liga will be represented by Real Madrid, Barcelona, Girona and Atletico Madrid.
Germany and Italy each secured an additional fifth spot. Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig and Stuttgart are the Bundesliga teams that have qualified, while Inter Milan, AC Milan, Atalanta, Bologna and Juventus represent Serie A in the draw.
Ligue 1 will be represented by only three teams – PSG, Monaco and Brest. Celtic are Scotland’s sole representative. An additional seven teams have advanced through the play-offs.
Real Madrid will be defending the trophy they won at Wembley in June (Image: Getty)
How does the Champions League draw work?
In a departure from the usual hand-drawn method, matches will now be randomly set-up using dedicated software. The teams will be divided into four pots, with each team playing two teams from each pot, either home or away.
Teams from the same league will not face each other, and any one team will only play a maximum of two opponents from another nation. Once the league phase is over, the top eight teams in the standings will automatically qualify for the round of 16.
Those who finish between ninth and 24th place will compete in a two-legged knock-out phase play-off to secure their path to the knockouts. Teams ranked 25th and below will be eliminated from Europe entirely.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1941493/champions-league-draw-live-stream-tv-channel