First, the competition qualification
Teams participating in the Champions League must abide by UEFA's financial fairness principle and club license regulations. The participating teams include defending champions, the top four of the five major European leagues, champions of European leagues and European national leagues, and champions of the Champions League qualifiers.
Second, the group stage.
The 32 teams are divided into 8 groups for round robin, with 4 teams in each group. Each team will play two games with three other opponents in the same group, and the top two in the group will advance to the knockout stage. If the top two points in the group are the same, they will be ranked according to factors such as goal difference, total goals and away goals.
Third, the knockout stage
16 teams that qualified in the group stage played a single knockout round, namely 1/8 finals, 1/4 finals, semi-finals and finals. If the score is the same in the knockout stage, it will be decided by the way of away goal advantage, overtime and penalty shoot-out. Teams from the same team and the same association will not meet in the final of 1/8, but this rule is no longer valid from the final of 1/4. The final will be decided by a game.
The significance of the Champions League to football clubs;
First, improve the competitive level of the team.
The Champions League brings together top teams and players from major European leagues. Participating in the Champions League can help the team to continuously improve its competitive level in the competition, and at the same time, it can also take this opportunity to attract more excellent players and coaches to join.
Second, get huge income.
The prize money in the Champions League is very rich, and you can get a good income even if you fail to qualify in the group stage. Entering the knockout stage, the bonus is rising, which can alleviate the pressure of signing the contract and provide better economic security for the team.
Third, improve the visibility of the team.
As one of the highest level football leagues in the world, the Champions League is very helpful to improve the team's popularity. By participating in the Champions League, the team can attract more fans and media attention, thus enhancing the brand value and commercial value of the team.
Fourth, increase the player's sense of honor.
The Champions League is the stage that European club players dream of. Being able to achieve good results in the Champions League can bring great honor and satisfaction to the players. At the same time, it is also an affirmation of the player's ability and a plus item in his career.
Fifth, promote the all-round development of the team
Participating in the Champions League requires not only excellent performance on the field, but also continuous improvement in management, operation and market development. Through the training in the Champions League, the team can get all-round development in all aspects, thus becoming a more mature club.