Why are Champions League fixtures announced on Saturdays?

The Champions League has returned in a new format that has completely shaken things up. Instead of the traditional group stage, teams will now compete in an expanded 'league phase'. Each team will play eight games against eight different opponents (four at their home ground and four away), providing a fresh and exciting challenge for all involved.

A total of 16 teams will qualify from the league phase to the knockout round, which then follows the familiar format of two-legged ties, up to the final. 

While the draw has been completed, we do not yet have any idea when the matches will take place, with travelling fans having to wait until Saturday until they can start thinking about flights and hotels. FourFourTwo looks at the reasons why...

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When are the Champions League fixtures being played?

The League Phase has eight scheduled matchdays which are as follows:

Matchday One: Sept. 17-19, 2024

Matchday Two: Oct. 1-2, 2024

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Matchday Three: Oct. 22-23, 2024

Matchday Four: Nov. 5-6, 2024

Matchday Five: Nov. 26-27, 2024

Matchday Six: Dec. 10-11, 2024

Matchday Seven: Jan. 21-22, 2025

Matchday Eight: Jan. 29, 2025

Why are the Champions League fixtures being announced on Saturday?

Fans are used to a short delay before the fixture list is finalised, but a day-and-a-half wait is far longer than usual.

The reason for this is that UEFA has to liaise with each member country's individual domestic leagues in order to organise the fixtures and avoid clashes such as the scheduling of multiple games in the same city on the same day.

The draws for the Europa League and Conference League will take place on Friday, with their fixtures also being announced on Saturday at a time that is yet to be confirmed. 

What are the games to look out for?

This new format is likely to take a bit of getting used to for fans, but has thrown up some appetising fixtures. 

Liverpool will face defending champions Real Madrid, plus Xabi Alonso's Bayer Leverkusen and also AC Milan, who they played twice in the final during the 2000s. 

Manchester City will take on Inter in a repeat of the 2023 final and also have clashes against Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus. 

Arsenal also face PSG and Inter, plus Monaco, while Aston Villa will take on Juventus, Celtic and Club Bruges.

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