Champions League

The Champions League is a yearly event that is hosted by the Union of European Football Associations, commonly known as UEFA. Basically, it’s a football tournament conceived by the top segment of champion football clubs. Where the finale outcome tells us who is currently the best football team in Europe. By which makes it one of the more prestige filled trophy, not only in Europe but in the world. And not only is it a sought after title to have. But, it’s also one of the oldest remaining football championships, seeing birth in 1955. However, since then the competition as we view it today has gone true some major structural and rule changes. With that in mind, let’s explore all verticals in the renowned Champions League.

Quick history

From its origin, the competition was a straight knock-out tournament. Only allowing a nations championship club to partake. Where it took its name, European Champion Clubs’ Cup. Which got a change in 1992 to the name we know it today. plus, at the same time, the round-robin group stage saw introduction. Alongside the added number of participating teams from certain countries. Meaning that where most nations still only can send 1 team while the highest-ranking nations like the UK can enter up to 5 clubs. However, not all lost for the runner-up’s that are not directly qualifying to the Champions League. As they get invited to the second-tier, Europa League competition, still hosted by the UEFA. Also to keep in mind, from season 2021/22 there will be a third-tier added, called Europa Conference League. Which, according to UEFA, is to give more clubs access to top European football.

How many teams include in the Champions League?

In its crude format, the League makes up of 32 different clubs from all around Europe. But, before the 32 clubs are entering the “proper”, a preliminary round takes place. Followed by the three qualifying rounds that end up in a Play-off round. Which leads us to the Group stage. That by now include the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League titleholder. But also 10 champions from associations 1 to 10, 6 runners-up from associations 1 to 6, 4 third-placed teams from associations 1 to 4, and 4 fourth-placed teams from associations 1 to 4. As such all 32 teams competing for the trophy is final. To get the full scope of a season, we will explain it a bit more into detail below.

A season of Champions League

A typical season of the League starts in June and reaches its finale in May/June. Where the preliminary starts in June, followed by the first to the third qualifying round in July and August. Plus, in August the 2 play-off legs take place, as well as the group stage draw. Where eventually the 32 teams are drawn into the “proper” and a group of 4 clubs by a Seeding order. To explain, UEFA keeps a record of all the clubs. And as such, all clubs are given a score, also known as “The coefficients.” And when the “Seeding” logic applies, it basically means that the best teams meet in a later stage of the competition. Entering September and its group stage matches, that persists all the way to December. Accompanied by the two-legged knock-out stage in February. Finish up with Aprils Quarter-finals and May’s Semi-final and Final.

Who owns the League?

In the format its plays today, the organiser is the owner on paper. Which means that the Union of European Football Associations UEFA is the government body that controls the championship. Which consists of 55 association members and countries. Including in the list of members, we find countries like England, Scotland, France, and Italy to mention a few. By which forms a company structure where they assume full control over things like media rights, prize money, and regulations.

Champions League competition champions

To keep it relevant we are only going to dig as deep as from when the Champions League officially took its new name, season 1992/93. And here we find out that the club to beat is Real Madrid C.F and its 7 titles (1997/98, 1999/00, 2001/02, 2013/14, 2015/16, 2016/17, 2017/18). Runner-up, we have yet a club calling Spain home, namely FC Barcelona. With its 4 wins (2005/06, 2008/09, 2010/11, 2014/15). Grabbing on to the final and third position, it’s no other than AC Milan. Where they lifted the trophy and crowned champion 3 times (1993/94, 2002/03, 2006/07).

Extraordinary moments in Champions League

To find some of the more “wow” moments, we explored the archives of UEFA. And guess what, some games stood out more than others. In fact, the first position is actually held by 2 different clubs. And in the category, biggest margins of victory in a knock-out phase match we have FC Bayern München 7-0 FC Basel 1893 (2011/12) and FC Bayern München 7-0 FC Shakhtar Donetsk (2014/15). But also Manchester City FC 7-0 FC Schalke 04 (2018/19). Although, a record that only England holds is, four clubs from the Premier League playing in the quarter-finals. Which happen 3 times 2008/09 (Arsenal FC, Chelsea FC, Liverpool FC, Manchester United FC), 2009/10 (Arsenal FC, Chelsea FC, Liverpool FC, Manchester United FC). But also in season 2019/20 (Liverpool FC, Manchester City FC, Manchester United FC, Tottenham Hotspur FC).champions league

Top goal scorers and record keepers in Champions League

For anyone, and it doesn’t need to be a football fan, has most definitely heard the name, Cristiano Ronaldo. Now, no matter what context you know the name, but in reference to football, he is known for scoring goals. And it’s no coincidence that he tops the Champions League with his 129 successful finishing’s. However, he is not completely out of the woods with Lionel Messi close and his 114 goals. Though, they need to have little fear from third place. Which is held by Raúl González and his double digits record of 71.

Live viewership and the home audience

The interest of the Champions League is massive, and more than often are the stadiums working on full capacity. But, what’s more, impressive is the number of remote viewers. And if we take 2018/19 Champions League final as a measuring stick, we see some truly amazing numbers. And over 11 million people watched the thrilling final, where 6.5 million came from a TV platform and 4.8 million from other digital mediums. By which exceeded the year before with 2.8 million views. As such, the Champions League is not only one of the most-watched yearly football event. But also it’s in good standing of the overall rating.

Can you place bets on Champions League?

The short answer to the question is, yes you can bet on the Champions League. And there is newer any problem to find a vast number of odds a to place bets on. In fact, you are going to find a complete catalogue of markets to put your money on. Effectively, you going to see all bet types we covered here on site. And it should go without saying. But, if you can’t locate any odds on the Champions League when it’s in full swing when visiting a sportsbook operator, you better start looking for a new betting site.