European Cups

Aiming for the Title in the Europa League

Published

2 months ago

08/28/2025

Staff

Monte Carlo once again becomes the beating heart of European football. Today, Thursday, August 28th at 6:00 PM, the Grimaldi Forum will come alive with the draw for the new UEFA Champions League. This edition features a format with 36 teams and a “championship phase” that replaces the traditional group stage. It marks the official start of a tournament that will offer 144 single-leg matches between September 16, 2025, and January 28, 2026.

But how are the match-ups decided? The UEFA regulations state that unlike the past, there are no longer small closed groups. Instead, it’s a single virtual league, where each team faces eight different opponents, four times at home and four times away.

The Groups and Basic Rules

The first step is dividing the 36 clubs into four groups of nine teams each based on the UEFA ranking. The first group always includes the reigning champions. This year it’s Paris Saint-Germain, already qualified as a top seed based on coefficient.

The core of the system is this: each club must face two opponents from each group, playing one home and one away match against each of the four pots. The principle of territoriality remains, with teams from the same federation not meeting automatically unless necessary to validate the overall structure. Each club can face a maximum of two opponents from their own nation during the path.

Mixed Draw: Balls and Software

The draw ceremony retains the traditional charm of manually drawn balls. However, the actual architecture of the match-ups is handled by a digital program. Each time a team is drawn, the software randomly assigns the eight opponents while respecting constraints and conditions. The match venue for each pairing is also determined immediately.

The process is certified by an external auditor and follows a precise order. It starts with the teams from the first group and progresses down to the fourth. As the draws continue, the pool of potential opponents gradually decreases, shaping the schedule in real-time.

Champions 25/26: Building the Schedule

The draw determines the match-ups but not the days and times. This responsibility falls to UEFA administration, which must ensure balance. This includes no more than two consecutive matches at home or away, alternating home and away fixtures in the first two and last two matchdays, and spreading matches across Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and – only for the first matchday – Thursdays. There is room for exceptions if absolute adherence to these rules risks disrupting the system.

With the new format comes more matches, more match-ups, and more balance. However, the draw process becomes more complex. Technology works alongside tradition in this context. The fate of the 36 Champions League participants in 2025/26 will intertwine in a mosaic that will keep Europe on edge from September to January.

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European Cups

Chelsea-Ajax probable line-ups and where to watch it

Published

2 hours ago

10/21/2025

Staff

After the matches of the various national championships are archived, the Champions League returns with an interesting Bayern Munich-Club Brugge.

Bavarians in great form with 11 wins in as many games. Mister Kompany leaning towards confirming the offensive duo Jackson-Kane. On the other side, Brugge relies heavily on the creativity of the Italo-German Tresoldi.

Vincent Kompany manager of Bayern Munich arrives during the UEFA Champions League League Stage match Aston Villa vs Bayern Munich at Villa Park, Birmingham, United Kingdom, 2nd October 2024
(Photo by Gareth Evans/News Images)

Bayern Munich Here

The Bayern Munich is a powerhouse. An incredible start to the season for the German team, with 11 wins in as many games. In front of 75,000 fans at the Fußball Arena München, for a match valid for the third day of the UEFA Champions League, come the Belgians of Club Brugge.

The Bavarians can count on an attacking department with 40 goals scored so far. Top player of the season start Harry Kane, scoring in the last 9 matches between league and National team. Absent from the match for the Bavarians are Davies, Ito, Musiala, and Stanisic.

However, as the main striker, Nicolas Jackson should play instead of Kane (likely to drop back behind the former Chelsea player). While on the wings, Olise and Luis Diaz should find space. In midfield, Kimmich is a sure starter, while the other midfield spot is a toss-up between Aleksandar Pavlovic (favored) and Goretzka. In defense, in front of Manuel Neuer, there should be Upamecano and Tah as center-backs and Boey and Laimer as full-backs.

Club Brugge Here

On the other hand, the Belgians’ journey cannot be said to be excellent. In fact, the team coached by Mister Hayen in the first two Champions League matches stands out for the overwhelming 4-1 victory against Monaco, but also for the defeat from a winning position against Atalanta of Ivan Juric.

The Belgian team will still try to pull off a surprise, relying mainly on their center-forward Nicolò Tresoldi. On the sides of the 2004 class player, the wingers Forbs and Tzolis should play, while in midfield, the playmaker role should be entrusted to Vanaken.

In the crucial area, coach Hayen should field Alexander Stankovic, son of Dejan, and Cisse Sandra. In defense, the center-backs should be Ordonez and Mechele, supported by the full-backs Sabbe and Seys. In goal, due to the absence of Mignolet through injury, Jackers is confirmed.

Bayern Munich-Club Brugge: probable lineups

Bayern Munich (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Boey, Upamecano, Tah, Laimer; Kimmich, Pavlovic; Olise, Kane, Diaz; N. Jackson. Coach: Kompany.

Club Brugge (4-3-3): Jackers; Sabbe, Ordonez, Mechele, Seys; Sandra, A. Stankovic, Vanaken; Forbs, Tresoldi, Tzolis. Coach: Hayen.

Bayern Munich-Club Brugge: where to watch

Bayern Munich-Club Brugge will take place on Wednesday, October 22 at 9:00 PM. The match between the Germans and the Belgians can be watched live on Sky Sport.

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European Cups

Eintracht Frankfurt-Liverpool, probable line-ups

Published

6 hours ago

10/21/2025

Staff

Eintracht Frankfurt and Liverpool will face off tomorrow night at the Deutsche Bank Park for the 3rd matchday of the Champions League League Phase.

The 3rd matchday of the Champions League sees Eintracht Frankfurt and Liverpool facing each other. A match that promises excitement, especially considering the great offensive capabilities of the home team. Six goals scored and conceded by the team coached by Dino Toppmoller in the first two European games of the season, resulting in two 5-1 results: the home win against Galatasaray, and the defeat suffered against Atletico Madrid at the Metropolitano.

On the other side, there are the Reds, who are going through a very negative period. Counting all competitions, Arne Slot’s team is coming off four consecutive defeats, including the one suffered in the Champions League against Galatasaray. A streak for Liverpool that hadn’t happened in 11 years. The lack of contribution from new signings Wirtz and Isak is under scrutiny.

Eintracht Frankfurt

The home team is coming off an away draw against Freiburg in the Bundesliga. Despite facing one of the European football giants, albeit in difficulty, Toppmoller doesn’t seem to want to give up on fielding an ultra-offensive lineup. Frankfurt relies on its talented midfield, composed of Uzun, Doan, and Bahoya. The only absentee is midfielder Oscar Hojlund, brother of Napoli’s forward.

Liverpool

A few more changes are expected in Liverpool’s lineup. Arne Slot is looking for the right solution to get out of the crisis. Against Eintracht, the Reds will have to do without goalkeeper Alisson and Ryan Gravenberch due to a hip problem. Jones is the favorite to replace the Dutchman. Some changes are also expected in defense, with Robertson and Joe Gomez ready to take the place of Kerkez and Konaté. In attack, Slot is ready to relaunch the former player of the match, Hugo Ekitike. The Frenchman is favored over Isak to lead the Reds’ attack.

Probable Lineups

Eintracht Frankfurt (4-2-3-1): Santos; Kristensen, Koch, Theate, Brown; Skhiri, Chaibi; Doan, Uzun, Bahoya; Burkardt. Coach: Toppmoller.

Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Mamardashvili; Bradley, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson; Jones, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Ekitike. Coach: Slot.

Where to Watch

The Champions League match between Eintracht Frankfurt and Liverpool will be broadcast exclusively on Sky Sport and streamed live on NOW starting at 9:00 PM on Wednesday, October 22, 2025.

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European Cups

Barcelona, Flick reunites with Ferran Torres, but the emergency continues

Published

10 hours ago

10/21/2025

Staff

The Barcelona prepares to face the Champions League challenge against Olympiakos. The emergency continues at home for the Blaugrana: Flick only finds Ferran Torres, but loses Christensen in defense. Barcelona is getting ready to take the field today for the 18.45 Champions League advance. The Catalan team will host Olympiakos at Montijuic under the guidance of Spanish coach […]

The post Barcellona, Flick ritrova Ferran Torres, ma l’emergenza continua first appeared on Calcio style.

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