Rudiger, Werner 8/10 as Chelsea oust Atleti to reach UCL quarters, Chelsea see off Atletico to reach UCL quarters. The UEFA Champions League is Europe's most prestigious club football competition. Sergio Ramos' injury a 'big boost' for Liverpool's UCL hopes (1:02), Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images, Hislop calls for UEFA to take meaningful action on racial abuse (2:30), Why Italian clubs are failing in Europe (2:00), Steve Nicol is shocked Liverpool are favoured vs. Real Madrid (1:10), Is Man City vs. Dortmund a dress rehearsal for Haaland? Exceptions are made for non-profit organisations, which can feature on the front of the shirt, incorporated with the main sponsor or in place of it; or on the back, either below the squad number or on the collar area. [14] In interviews, Jacques Ferran (one of the founders of the European Champions Cup, together with Gabriel Hanot),[15] said that the South American Championship of Champions was the inspiration for the European Champions Cup. GROUP A: 1 MUN Bayern Munich. The UEFA Refereeing Unit is broken down into five experience-based categories. An association may have a maximum of five teams in the Champions League. UEFA Nations League; Baltic Cup; UEFA Champions League. Van Nistelrooy additionally scored four goals in eight qualification matches. UEFA Nations League; Baltic Cup; UEFA Champions League. [98], If a club plays a match in a nation where the relevant sponsorship category is restricted (such as France's alcohol advertising restriction), then they must remove that logo from their jerseys. For example, when Rangers played French side Auxerre in the 1996–97 Champions League, they wore the logo of Center Parcs instead of McEwan's Lager (both companies at the time were subsidiaries of Scottish & Newcastle). No referee may be of the same origins as any club in his or her respecting groups. A referee is initially placed into Category 4 with the exception of referees from France, Germany, England, Italy, or Spain. UCL talking points: Man City's or PSG's year? If the Champions League title holders qualify for the group stage via their domestic league, the champions of association 11 (Turkey in 2019/2020) will enter the group stage, and champions of the highest-ranked associations in earlier rounds will also be promoted accordingly. [49] In the 1970–71 season Ajax won the title, beating Greek side Panathinaikos F.C. [67] Tottenham were demoted to the 2012–13 UEFA Europa League. Real Madrid won the first five editions and went on to become the most successful club with an unrivaled 13 titles to their name, ahead of AC Milan who possesses seven Champions League trophies. [17][18][19] The Spanish squad came back from behind to win 4–3 thanks to goals from Alfredo Di Stéfano and Marquitos, as well as two goals from Héctor Rial. AdChoices. Liverpool and Manchester United will play their Champions League and Europa League ties in Spain as the COVID-19 travel ban is lifted. [1] It was conceived in Paris in 1955 as the European Champion Clubs' Cup. (2004). [52], The UEFA Champions League anthem, officially titled simply as "Champions League", was written by Tony Britten, and is an adaptation of George Frideric Handel's 1727 anthem Zadok the Priest (one of his Coronation Anthems). 3 SALZ FC Salzburg. After a consensus is made, the name of the appointed referee remains confidential up to two days before the match for the purpose of minimising public influence. [48] Before defeating Celtic in the final. [79], Since 1990, a UEFA international referee cannot exceed the age of 45 years. Ibrahimović additionally scored one goal in four qualification matches. They are followed by FC Porto and FC Bayern on 24 (1997–present).[64]. The lyrics and history of one of football's most famous songs", "2Cellos to perform UEFA Champions League anthem in Kyiv", "Asturia Girls to perform UEFA Champions League anthem in Madrid", "Behind the Music: Champions League Anthem Remix with Hans Zimmer", "The official website for European football – UEFA.com", "Harry Redknapp and Spurs given bitter pill of Europa League by Chelsea", "Added bonus for UEFA Europa League winners", "UEFA Access List 2015/18 with explanations", "Clubs force UEFA's Michel Platini into climbdown", "Arsène Wenger says Champions League place is a 'trophy, "Regulations of the UEFA Champions League 2011/12, pg 10:", "Bayern Munich beat Paris Saint-Germain to win Champions League", "Champions League and Europa League changes next season", "UEFA club competition access list 2021-24", "How UEFA honours multiple European Cup winners", "2019/20 UEFA club competitions revenue distribution system", "Clubs benefit from Champions League revenue", "Regulations of the UEFA Champions League 2015–18 Cycle – 2015/2016 Season – Article 66 – Other Requirements", "EXCLUSIVE: New Champions League sponsors set to come on board as seven offers accepted", "Uefa Champions League checks in with Expedia", "Gazprom renews UEFA Champions League partnership", "HEINEKEN extends UEFA club competition sponsorship", "Nissan renews UEFA Champions League Partnership", "PepsiCo renews UEFA Champions League Partnership", "Banco Santander to become UEFA Champions League Partner", "adidas extends European club football partnership", "Hublot to partner Champions League and Europa League", "Champions League final tops Super Bowl for TV market", "Champions League final at Wembley drew TV audience of 360 million", "Champions League + European Cup – All-time Topscorers", "UEFA Champions League Statistics Handbook 2019/20", "Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo goal for goal", "Who has played 100 Champions League games? According to TEAM, "Irrespective of whether you are a spectator in Moscow or Milan, you will always see the same stadium dressing materials, the same opening ceremony featuring the 'starball' centre circle ceremony, and hear the same UEFA Champions League Anthem". Les Grandes Équipes! The competition brings together the top 32 football clubs in Europe in a year-long competition. [8] Real Madrid is the most successful club in the tournament's history, having won it 13 times, including its first five seasons. [86], The tournament's main sponsors for the 2020–21 season are:[87], Adidas is a secondary sponsor and supplies the official match ball, the Adidas Finale, and Macron supplies the referees' kit. [69], In 2007, Michel Platini, the UEFA president, had proposed taking one place from the three leagues with four entrants and allocating it to that nation's cup winners. United – Benfica 1967 History | UEFA Champions League", "Feyenoord - Milan 1969 History | UEFA Champions League", "Feyenoord - Celtic 1969 History | UEFA Champions League", "Ajax - Panathinaikos 1970 History | UEFA Champions League", "European Champions' Cup and Fairs' Cup 1970–71 – Details", "The story of the UEFA Champions League anthem", "What is the Champions League music? [50] the season saw a number of changes, with penalty shoot-outs being introduced, and the away goals rule being changed so that it would be used in all rounds except the final. Prior to this, three preliminary knockout qualifying rounds whittled down the remaining teams, with teams starting in different rounds. [85], From the 2012–13 knockout phase, UEFA used LED advertising hoardings installed in knock-out participant stadiums, including the final stage. The current trophy is 74 cm (29 in) tall and made of silver, weighing 11 kg (24 lb). [33][34][35] Inter Milan beat an ageing Real Madrid 3–1 in the Ernst-Happel-Stadion to win the 1963–64 season and replicate their local-rival's success. ", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=UEFA_Champions_League&oldid=1015411631, Multi-national association football leagues in Europe, Multi-national professional sports leagues, Articles with French-language sources (fr), Articles with German-language sources (de), Articles with Italian-language sources (it), Articles with Spanish-language sources (es), Articles with Portuguese-language sources (pt), Articles with Russian-language sources (ru), Wikipedia articles with WORLDCATID identifiers, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, 33 champions from associations 18–51 (except Liechtenstein), 17 winners from the first qualifying round, 10 winners from the second qualifying round (Champions Path), 2 third-placed teams from association 5–6, 3 winners from the second qualifying round (League Path), 6 winners from the third qualifying round (Champions Path), 4 winners from the third qualifying round (League Path), 4 third-placed teams from associations 1–4, 4 fourth-placed teams from associations 1–4, 4 winners from the play-off round (Champions Path), 2 winners from the play-off round (League Path). Mar 17 2 - 0 FT/AGG (3-0) ATM. [79], In co-operation with the UEFA Refereeing Unit, the UEFA Referee Committee is responsible for appointing referees to matches. 2014–15 UEFA Champions League; The Olympiastadion in Berlin hosted the final. The third-placed team enters the UEFA Europa League. Which U.S. stars have shone? - Read the latest news and analysis from UEFA experts. [17][18] The first goal in European Cup history was scored by João Baptista Martins of Sporting CP. This proposal was rejected in a vote at a UEFA Strategy Council meeting. Thomas Tuchel says Chelsea should fear no one in the Champions League after Wednesday's 2-0 win over Atleti secured them a quarterfinal berth. [44], The 1967–68 season saw Manchester United become the first English team to win the European Cup, beating S.L. 2019/2020. The tournament proper begins with a group stage of 32 teams, divided into eight groups of four. The previous limit of a maximum of four teams per association was increased to five, meaning that a fourth-placed team from one of the top three ranked associations would only have to be moved to the Europa League if both the Champions League and Europa League winners came from that association and both finished outside the top four of their domestic league. UEFA Nations League; Baltic Cup; UEFA Champions League. [67], In May 2013,[68] it was decided that, starting from the 2015–16 season (and continuing at least for the three-year cycle until the 2017–18 season), the winners of the previous season's UEFA Europa League would qualify for the UEFA Champions League, entering at least the play-off round, and entering the group stage if the berth reserved for the Champions League title holders was not used. [54] Stating "the anthem is now almost as iconic as the trophy", UEFA's official website adds it is "known to set the hearts of many of the world's top footballers aflutter". [20][21] After a scoreless first half, Real Madrid scored twice in six minutes to defeat the Italians. The knock-out ties are played in a two-legged format, with the exception of the final. [56], Special vocal versions have been performed live at the Champions League Final with lyrics in other languages, changing over to the host nation's language for the chorus. Referee appointments, suggested by the UEFA Refereeing Unit, are sent to the UEFA Referee Committee to be discussed or revised. The Champions League third qualifying round (Champions route) consists of 12 teams. Thomas Tuchel played no part in the assembly of Chelsea's high-priced squad, yet he's getting the best out of the previously underperforming group. Four of the remaining six qualifying places are granted to the winners of a six-round qualifying tournament between the remaining 43 or 44 national champions, within which those champions from associations with higher coefficients receive byes to later rounds. CBS Sports has the latest Champions League news, live scores, player stats, standings, fantasy games, and projections. To obtain a license, the club must meet certain stadium, infrastructure, and finance requirements. In 2008–09 season, both BATE Borisov and Anorthosis Famagusta achieved the same feat. Coverage begins with the remaining matches for the 2019-2020 UEFA Champions League, followed by the Quarter-Finals, Semi-Finals and Final in a straight knockout tournament. The format of the remainder of the tournament was temporarily amended as a result, with the quarter-finals and semi-finals being played as single match knockout ties at neutral venues in Lisbon, Portugal from 12 to 23 August. [1], The first edition of the European Cup took place during the 1955–56 season. 4 LMO Lokomotiv Moscow. champions route. England has the largest number of winning teams, with five clubs having won the title. 1st Qualifying Round; 2nd Qualifying Round; 3rd Qualifying Round; Play-offs; Group Stage. The 32 teams are drawn into eight groups of four teams and play each other in a double round-robin system. Plus, watch live games, clips and highlights for your favorite teams on FOXSports.com! 2 ATL Atletico Madrid. Chelsea take on Porto, Bayern Munich meet PSG in a … Until 2015–16, no association could have more than four entrants in the Champions League. The 2021–22 UEFA Champions League will be the 67th season of Europe's premier club football tournament organised by UEFA, and the 30th season since it was renamed from the European Champion Clubs' Cup to the UEFA Champions League.. [80] Since 2008, the official trophy has remained with UEFA and the clubs are awarded a replica.[80]. Thiago Silva goes wild in the stands as Chelsea's cheerleader. In addition to sporting criteria, any club must be licensed by its national association to participate in the Champions League. The number of teams that each association enters into the UEFA Champions League is based upon the UEFA coefficients of the member associations. Sergio Ramos will miss Real Madrid's El Clasico clash and their Champions League quarterfinals against Liverpool, sources have told ESPN. [57] The anthem's chorus is played before each UEFA Champions League game as the two teams are lined up, as well as at the beginning and end of television broadcasts of the matches. Juventus boss Sarri would welcome last-16 clash with Mourinho´s Tottenham; Wed 11 December, 2019. In 2019–20 season, due to the COVID-19 pandemic the tournament was suspended for five months, with the final taking place in August. The competition runs from September to May, and in the group stage teams feature in a group of four and play each other home and away, with the top two progressing to the knockout stage. This was part of Platini's plan to increase the number of teams qualifying directly into the group stage, while simultaneously increasing the number of teams from lower-ranked nations in the group stage. Thiago Silva, injured for Chelsea's Champions League tie vs. Atletico Madrid, really over-delivered on his vow to cheer his team on from the stands. Die offizielle Seite des wichtigsten Klubwettbewerbs der Welt; hol dir aktuelle News, Statistiken und Videos. GROUP A: 1 MUN Bayern Munich. [42][43] The Celtic players that day subsequently became known as the "Lisbon Lions", all of whom were born within 30 miles of Glasgow. 2019-20 UEFA Champions League Round Of 16 Draw Has Been Announced; Thu 12 December, 2019. In the 2018 and 2019 finals, held in Kyiv and Madrid respectively, the instrumental version of the chorus was played, by 2Cellos (2018) and Asturia Girls (2019). [79], Each year, the winning team is presented with the European Champion Clubs' Cup, the current version of which has been awarded since 1967. For the trophy, see, This article is about the men's competition. [62] TEAM gives particular attention to detail in how the colours and starball are depicted at matches. [1] It has since been expanded, and while most of Europe's national leagues can still only enter their champion, the strongest leagues now provide up to four teams. Real Madrid and FC Barcelona hold the record for the most consecutive appearances in the group stage, having qualified 25 times in a row (1997–present). [72] At Arsenal's 2012 AGM, Wenger was also quoted as saying: "For me there are five trophies every season: Premier League, Champions League, the third is to qualify for the Champions League..."[73]. [75], The group stage is played from September to December, whilst the knock-out stage starts in February. To discourage bias, the Champions League takes nationality into account. [71], In 2012, Arsène Wenger referred to qualifying for the Champion's League by finishing in the top four places in the English Premier League as the "4th Place Trophy". (0:47), Liverpool 'a long shot' to beat Real Madrid in the UCL (1:02), Why facing Bayern could be a good draw for PSG (1:01), Sancho will have 'something to prove' vs. Man City (1:15), Is revenge a factor for Liverpool vs. Real Madrid? Die Besten! [12] Held in Geneva, it brought together ten champions from across the continent. GROUP B: 1 … Henry additionally scored one goal in three qualification matches. Which Teams Qualified Into the 2019-20 UEFA Champions League Knockout Stages? [17][18] The inaugural final took place at the Parc des Princes between Stade de Reims and Real Madrid. The competition is played between the European national league champions. The age limit was established to ensure an elite level of fitness. Founded in 1992, the UEFA Champions League is the most prestigious continental club tournament in Europe, replacing the old European Cup. [100] The final of the 2012–13 tournament had the competition's highest TV ratings to date, drawing approximately 360 million television viewers.[101]. UEFA Champions League. Changes will be made to the access list above if the Champions League and/or Europa League title holders qualify for the tournament via their domestic leagues. Who will advance? [8], Real Madrid's reign ended in the 1960–61 season when bitter rivals Barcelona dethroned them in the first round. Founded in 1992, the UEFA Champions League is the most prestigious continental club tournament in Europe, replacing the old European Cup. Each referee's performance is observed and evaluated after every match; his category may be revised twice per season, but a referee cannot be promoted directly from Category 3 to the Elite Category. Could we see first-time winners? Explore the latest UEFA Champions League soccer news, scores, & standings. [17][18] The first European Cup match took place on 4 September 1955, and ended in a 3–3 draw between Sporting CP and Partizan. The eight group winners and eight runners-up proceed to the knockout phase that culminates with the final match in late May or early June. The official home of Europe's premier club competition on Facebook. Barcelona has dominated the continent in the last decad… 2019/2020. Chelsea are bought in to Tuchel's ways. It is one of the most prestigious football tournaments in the world and the most prestigious club competition in European football, played by the national league champions (and, for some nations, one or more runners-up) of their national asso… [61], In 1991, UEFA asked its commercial partner, Television Event and Media Marketing (TEAM), to help "brand" the Champions League. They include the 10 winners from the second qualifying round and the domestic league champions of associations ranked 14th-15th in the UEFA Associations' Club Coefficient Rankings. The two streams are divided between teams qualified by virtue of being league champions, and those qualified by virtue of finishing 2nd–4th in their national championship. Referees from these five countries are typically comfortable with top professional matches and are therefore directly placed into Category 3. Spanish clubs have the highest number of victories (18 wins), followed by England (13 wins) and Italy (12 wins). Today, UEFA Champions League referees are required to pass a fitness test to even be considered at the international level. Holders Bayern Munich booked their place in the Champions League quarterfinals with a professional performance to beat Lazio 2-1. The 2014–15 UEFA Champions League was the 60th season of Europe's premier club football tournament organised by UEFA, and the 23rd season since it was renamed from the European Champion Clubs' Cup to the UEFA Champions League. [97], Individual clubs may wear jerseys with advertising. "European Champions League" and "European Cup" redirect here. [80] Each time a club achieved this a new official trophy had to be forged for the following season. [28][29][30] Reinforced by Eusébio, Benfica defeated Real Madrid 5–3 at the Olympic Stadium in Amsterdam and kept the title for a second consecutive season. [54][55] UEFA commissioned Britten in 1992 to arrange an anthem, and the piece was performed by London's Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and sung by the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields. The final will be played at the Krestovsky Stadium in Saint Petersburg, Russia.It was originally scheduled to be played at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany. UEFA Champions League fixtures, live scores & results, including dates, kick-off times and full UEFA Champions League schedule for the 2020/2021 season. On Wednesday, the UEFA Executive Committee discussed plans to reform the Champions League from 2024 onwards, specifically the idea of rejigging the … Bayern Munich are the reigning champions, having beaten Paris Saint-Germain 1–0 in the 2020 final. The Champions League third qualifying round (Champions route) consists of 12 teams. The competition has been won by 22 clubs, 12 of which have won it more than once and eight successfully defended their title. The 2021–22 UEFA Champions League will be the 67th season of Europe's premier club football tournament organised by UEFA, and the 30th season since it was renamed from the European Champion Clubs' Cup to the UEFA Champions League..