Champions League Faces Historic Showdown with 18 Simultaneous Matches

The final group stage games will determine playoff spots, with new tournament format intensifying competition.

For the first time, all 18 final group stage matches of the Champions League will start simultaneously, creating unprecedented drama.
This season introduces a new format with 36 teams, where the top eight advance directly to the Round of 16, 16 others enter playoffs, and the bottom 12 are eliminated.
Bayer Leverkusen leads German clubs with a chance to secure a top-eight spot but faces competition from multiple teams tied on points.
Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund require strong performances and favorable results from other matches to avoid the playoff round.
Manchester City, the 2023 champions, risks missing the playoffs entirely unless they secure a win against FC Brugge.