The Champions League is Back: Everything You Need to Know

A Guide to the New Format, Storylines, Tactics, and How to Watch

The UEFA Champions League, the pinnacle of club football, is back for the 2023-24 season with a new format, intriguing storylines, and innovative tactics.

This extensive guide will provide you with all the essential information you need to follow the competition throughout the season, from the new format to the tactics employed by the top teams.

The New Format

The most significant change for the 2023-24 Champions League is the introduction of a new format for the group stage.

Instead of the previous eight groups of four teams, the 32 teams will now be divided into four groups of eight. Each team will play two matches against every other team in their group, resulting in a total of 14 group stage matches.

The top four teams from each group will advance to the knockout stage, while the fifth- and sixth-placed teams will drop into the Europa League.

Key Storylines

Several captivating storylines will unfold throughout the Champions League season.

One of the most highly anticipated is Manchester City's quest to finally win their first Champions League title.

The English champions have assembled a star-studded squad and will be determined to break their duck in Europe's elite competition.

Innovative Tactics

The Champions League is not just about star players and big clubs.

It is also a showcase for innovative tactics and formations.

In recent years, we have seen a growing trend towards teams playing with a high defensive line and pressing their opponents high up the pitch.

This approach has proved effective for teams such as Liverpool and Bayern Munich, who have dominated their domestic leagues and made deep runs in the Champions League.

How to Watch

For football fans around the world, there are several ways to watch the Champions League.

In the United States, the Champions League is broadcast live on CBS and Paramount+.

In the United Kingdom, the Champions League is broadcast live on BT Sport and ITV.

Conclusion

The 2023-24 Champions League promises to be another unforgettable season of captivating football.

With a new format, intriguing storylines, and innovative tactics, the competition is set to provide endless entertainment for fans around the world.