UEFA Champions League: All You Need to Know

What is the UEFA Champions League?

The UEFA Champions League (UCL) is an annual club football competition organized by UEFA, the governing body for football in Europe. It is the most prestigious club competition in the world and is widely considered the pinnacle of club football.

History of the UEFA Champions League

The UCL was founded in 1955 as the European Cup, a tournament for the champions of the top football leagues in Europe. In 1992, the competition was renamed the UEFA Champions League and expanded to include more clubs.

Format of the UEFA Champions League

The UCL is a knockout tournament, with 32 teams competing for the title. The tournament is divided into two stages: the group stage and the knockout rounds. In the group stage, the 32 teams are drawn into eight groups of four teams each. The teams play each other home and away, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the knockout rounds.

The knockout rounds consist of two-legged ties, with the away goals rule in effect. The team that scores the most goals over the two legs advances to the next round. The knockout rounds culminate in the final, which is played at a neutral venue.

Winners of the UEFA Champions League

Real Madrid is the most successful club in the history of the UCL, with 14 titles. Bayern Munich and Liverpool are tied for second with six titles each.

How to Watch the UEFA Champions League

The UCL is broadcast live on television and streaming services around the world. In the United States, the UCL is broadcast on CBS and Paramount+. You can also watch the UCL on the UEFA website and on the UEFA YouTube channel.