New Champions League format explained and what it means for Liverpool

The Champions League is getting a makeover - and it will affect Liverpool.

This season is the last one with the current format we're all used to. Right now, teams are split into groups of four; the top two go on to the knockout stages, while the third-place team gets a shot at the Europa League play-offs.

After that, it's two-legged knockout rounds until the final, but from next season on, things will be different. UEFA is bringing in a Swiss League format for the competition. But what does this mean for the Reds? The ECHO has taken a closer look.

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How will the format change?

Starting from the 2024/25 season, there will be more teams - 36 instead of 32. And instead of group stages, there will be a 'Champions League phase'.

All 36 clubs will compete in one big league. Each team will play eight matches against eight different opponents.

They won't face the same three teams twice like before. Every club shall face an equal number of home and away games - four of each.

The teams will be sorted into four seeding pots to figure out the eight opponents. Each team will then play two opponents from each of these pots, with one match against a team from each pot at home, and one away.

How will the extra four teams qualify?

Two teams will qualify if they finish fifth in their division and their country is in the top two of the UEFA co-efficient rankings. These rankings are based on how well each nation's clubs do in the three European competitions.

At the moment, it looks like England and Spain will benefit from this change. One team will qualify if they finish third in the