From this season, the Champions League will have a League phase instead of the traditional group stage. 36 clubs will participate, and the top eight teams will directly qualify for the 1/8 finals. The clubs ranked ninth to 24th will compete in a play-off to qualify for the 1/8 finals.
Matchday 1 fixtures!
17–19 September 2024#UCL pic.twitter.com/HgJuijEkc2— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) August 31, 2024
Each club will play eight matches in the League phase, and the final standings will be determined after these matches. Below I will discuss the schedule of the top 10 main favorites of the League phase according to 22Bet, and their chances of getting directly into the top eight.
10. Bayer 04 Leverkusen
- Odds: 2.5 (22Bet)
- Difficulty of matches: Medium
Matches:
| 2024 |
| 19 Sep – Feyenoord (away) |
| 1 Oct – Milan (home) |
| 23 Oct – Brest (away) |
| 23 Oct – Brest (away) |
| 5 Nov – Liverpool (away) |
| 10 Dec – Inter Milan (home) |
| 2025 |
| 21 Jan – Atlético Madrid (away), |
| 29 Jan – Sparta Prague (home) |
Bayer 04 Leverkusen has conceded 15 goals in their last eight matches, casting doubt on the team’s prospects for the season. Under the management of Xavi Alonso, the team is facing significant challenges in transitioning from attack to defense, a vulnerability that opponents have regularly exploited.
Pala’s comeback continues! pic.twitter.com/UU10nR7CJv
— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) September 2, 2024
If Leverkusen fails to tighten up defensively, they could find themselves in unpredictable shootouts against Feyenoord, Milan, and Red Bull Salzburg. These teams score many goals but also often concede. The outcome of these key matches will greatly influence whether the German club can finish in the top 16 and become a seeded team.
Matches against Brest and Sparta Prague seem to be the easiest for gaining points, while the clashes against European giants like Liverpool, Inter, and Atletico will serve as a true test of Leverkusen’s ability to balance their defensive game and compete for a spot in the top 8.
9. Paris Saint-Germain
- Odds: 2.37 (22Bet)
- Difficulty of matches: Very high
Matches
| 2024 |
| 18 Sep – Girona (home) |
| 1 Oct – Arsenal (away) |
| 22 Oct – PSV Eindhoven (home) |
| 5 Nov – Atlético Madrid (home) |
| 26 Nov – Bayern Munich (away) |
| 10 Dec – Red Bull Salzburg (away) |
| 2025 |
| 22 Jan – Manchester City (home) |
| 29 Jan – VfB Stuttgart (away) |
Paris Saint-Germain has had a strong start to the new Ligue 1 season, winning their first three matches with a total score of 13-2. The team’s 19-year-old newcomer from Portugal, João Neves, has already shown top-class performance in the midfield, which significantly increases the French club’s chances of a successful season.
Bradley Barcola scores again this season #LOSCPSG pic.twitter.com/IYEIqdkcOq
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) September 1, 2024
PSG faces one of the most challenging schedules among all participating teams, making a top-eight finish a difficult task. Much will depend on the performances against Girona, PSV Eindhoven, Red Bull Salzburg, and VfB Stuttgart. If Luis Enrique’s team can handle the opponents’ pressing and exploit their defensive vulnerabilities in these matches, they will have a good chance of finishing near the top of the table.
#LOSCPSG pic.twitter.com/Q4i2QV2VZt
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) September 1, 2024
In the other matches against Arsenal, Atlético Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City, PSG’s ability to defend effectively in a medium or low block will be crucial, especially considering their defensive frailties during last season’s Champions League playoffs.