The format of UEFA Champions League 2004-05

[Gismo]

This is the Champions League of next season. Notice the two-legged knockout rounds that was implimented last season. There are no second group stage now.

Qualifying round
:: First qualifying round
:: Second qualifying round
:: Third qualifying round

Group Stage
:: Matchday 1 - 14 & 15 September 2004
:: Matchday 2 - 28 & 29 September 2004
:: Matchday 3 - 19 & 20 October 2004
:: Matchday 4 - 02 & 03 November 2004
:: Matchday 5 - 23 & 24 November 2004
:: Matchday 6 - 07 & 08 December 2004

Final Phase
:: First knockout round 1st leg - 22 & 23 February 2005
:: First knockout round 2nd leg - 08 & 09 March 2005
:: Quarter-finals 1st leg - 05 & 06 April 2005
:: Quarter-finals 2nd leg - 12 & 13 April 2005
:: Semi-finals 1st leg - 26 & 27 April 2005
:: Semi-finals 2nd leg - 03 & 04 May 2005
:: Final - 25 May 2005

More info from UEFA´s official website.

 

[J zanetti]

Re: Radical changes to UEFA Champions League

This is the Champions League of tomorrow. Notice the two-legged knockout rounds. There are no second group stage now.

This new format started last year!
I prefer this as KO stages are more exiting than a sec group stage. Plus the main benefit for big teams are that they pay less games in tota hence will have more time to concentrate on the domestic leagues

 

[SB9Dragon]

Yeah this format did start last year...

And I also agree that it is better suited to the players, less games, but in the same way less games means that little slip up can be devastating.

 

[Gismo]

Sorry, my bad. :embarass: I forgot it already started last season. I have edited the post now.