New Champions League format explained, where to watch + get £25 in free bets

The Champions League returns on September 17 with a new format for the 2024/25 season. It's the first time the format of Uefa's premier competition has changed since 2003-04 so you'd be forgiven if you're confused by the new-look tournament.

We'll explain the new Champions League format, where to watch, take a look at the fixtures and show you how to claim £25 in free bets with Ladbrokes.

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How does the new Champions League format work? 

Rather than eight groups of four teams, the 2024-25 Champions League will start with 36 teams in a league format. Clubs will play eight different opponents, four at home and four away, and the opponents will be seeded from four different pots (two per pot). 

Once the league fixtures have been played, the top eight teams will qualify for the round of 16. Clubs who finish between ninth and 24th will compete in a two-legged playoff, with the eight winners progressing to the round of 16, at which stage the usual knockout format will be reintroduced.

Bag £25 in Ladbrokes free bets for the Champions League

The format may be different but Ladbrokes' generous welcome offer is still the same - you can bag £25 in free bets if you bet just £5 on the Champions League.

At the Racing Post, we have put together all of the best free bets and bookmaker offers, so take a look as you can claim up to £1,000+ in sports bonuses and betting offers.

How to claim your Ladbrokes Champions League free bets

We'll show you how to join Ladbrokes and grab your £25 in free bets to place on the 2024-25 Champions League. It's fast, secure and straightforward.

1. Sign up for an account with Ladbrokes
2. Place a minimum £5 bet at odds of 1-2 or greater
3. Once your bet settles, you'll get 5 x £5 free bets

Click the image below to claim £25 in Ladbrokes free bets ahead of the Champions League: 

Champions League Ladbrokes betting offer: terms and conditions

It's worth taking a few minutes to read through the terms and conditions associated with the new player promotion before signing up. Doing so will help you get a better grasp of the details of this Ladbrokes Champions League betting offer and what's expected of you as a new player.

• 18+ New UK+ROI Customers only. 
• Certain deposit methods & bet types excl. 
• Min first £5 bet within 14 days of account reg at min odds 1/2 to get 5x £5 free bets. 
• Free bets available to use on selected sportsbook markets only. 
• Free bets valid for 7 days, stake not returned. 
• Restrictions + T&Cs apply. 

Champions League winner odds and where to spend your Ladbrokes free bets

With Ladbrokes offering £25 in Champions League free bets, take a look at the latest 2024-25 Champions League winner odds ahead of the league stage:

Note that these odds are subject to change

If the above bets aren't enough for you, be sure to check out Racing Post's football tips for more of the latest picks from our experts.

Champions League fixtures + where to watch

This year's Champions League has a new format and with it, lots more games to enjoy and bet on. Here are next week's Champions League matches:

Tuesday, September 17

• 5.45pm - Juventus vs PSV (TNT Sports)
• 5.45pm - Young Boys vs Aston Villa (TNT Sports)
• 8.00pm - Milan vs Liverpool (Amazon Prime Video)
• 8.00pm - Real Madrid vs Stuttgart (TNT Sports)
• 8.00pm - Bayern vs Dinamo Zagreb (TNT Sports)
• 8.00pm - Sporting vs LOSC (TNT Sports)

Wednesday, September 18

• 5.45pm - Bologna vs Shakhtar Donetsk (TNT Sports)
• 5.45pm - Sparta Praha vs RB Salzburg (TNT Sports)
• 8.00pm - PSG vs Girona (TNT Sports)
• 8.00pm - Club Brugge vs Dortmund (TNT Sports)
• 8.00pm - Celtic vs Slovan Bratislava (TNT Sports)
• 8.00pm - Man City vs Inter (TNT Sports)

Thursday, September 19

• 5.45pm - Crvena Zvezda vs Benfica (TNT Sports)
• 5.45pm - Feyenoord vs Leverkusen (TNT Sports)
• 8.00pm - Brest vs SK Sturm Graz (TNT Sports)
• 8.00pm - Atalanta vs Arsenal (TNT Sports)
• 8.00pm - Atletico Madrid vs RB Leipzig (TNT Sports)
• 8.00pm - Moanca vs Barcelona (TNT Sports)

2024-25 Champions League FAQs

How many teams are taking part in the new Champions League format?

This season 36 teams will compete in the league phase of the competition.

Where is the 2024-25 Champions League final being played?

Bayern Munich's Allianz Arena will host the Champions League final on May 31, 2025.

Which English teams are in the Champions League?

Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool and Aston Villa are the four Premier League teams who have qualified for the 2024/25 Champions League.

Remember to gamble responsibly

Gambling can be an enjoyable and exciting form of entertainment, but it can also be a serious risk if not done responsibly. It is important to understand the risks associated with gambling and to take steps to minimise them. You can always call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or visit www.gamstop.co.uk if you need extra help or advice.

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