The new season of the Champions League kicks off this week, with a brand new format for 2024-25.
The group stage has been ditched and replaced with an all-singing, all-dancing new 36-team league system for the first round stage.
It means there'll be two additional matchdays in the league phase, with the top eight qualifying automatically for the knockout phase next year. See the full fixture list for week one here.
Here are four games to watch out for in Matchday one.
Young Boys vs. Aston Villa
Villa might be former European champions, but this is their first foray into the bright lights of the Champions League, and they begin with a trip to Switzerland. Young Boys may not be the most famous name to face on their Champions League debut, but just the sound of the (sadly reworked) anthem and the star patches on their arms will be enough to get the European juice flowing for Unai Emery's men.
The game has also taken on a deeper signficance following the sad passing of club legend Gary Shaw, who was part of the club's 1982 European Cup triumph.
AC Milan vs. Liverpool
Even without the obvious history between the two, this is a mouth-watering way to get this season's Champions League underway - and it is exactly why the league format was brought in. Seeing these two European giants clash, it's impossible not to think of Istanbul and the epic 2005 final, and the pair also met two seasons later when the Italians got some revenge on that famous night.
The 2024 variety could be just as exciting as Arne Slot takes charge of his first European game and comes up against a team boasting names such as Rafael Leao, Christian Pulisic and their English trio of Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Fikayo Tomori and Tammy Abraham.
Manchester City vs. Inter
Another English-Italian clash and another repeat of a previous Champions League final. It was only eighteen months ago that City were celebrating winning their first-ever Champions League gong, as they bested Inter thanks to a Rodri clincher in Istanbul.
They meet in their opening fixture of this year's competition, having both won their domestic league last season and among two of the favourites to take home the famous trophy. The opening exchanges will be a fascinating watch and the first test of the new league format.
Real Madrid vs. Stuttgart
No matchday in the Champions League is complete without the holders, and a team that has dominated the competition for the past decade. Not content with adding a FIFTHTEENTH European Cup to their buldging trophy cabinet last season, Carlo Ancelotti's men can now call upon Kylian Mbappe to help them defend their crown.
Add his ridiculous attacking talent to that of Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo, Jude Bellingham and more, and you don't envy the task of Stuttgart going to the Bernabeu in their opening fixture.
Champions League League phase: TV channel, live stream
U.S.: Paramount+
UK: TNT Sports, Amazon Prime
Canada: DAZN
New Zealand: DAZN
For broadcast details in your country, consult UEFA.com.
How to watch Champions League games in Canada on DAZN
DAZN is the only place to watch every UEFA Champions League match in Canada. Each game is available live and on demand.
- Monthly Flex: $34.99 CAD (Monthly subscription. Cancel with 30 days' notice.)
- Annual - pay monthly: $17.99 CAD (Annual subscription. $17.99/month for 2 months, then you will pay $24.99/month for the remaining 10 months.)
- Annual - pay upfront: $249.99 (Pay for a year upfront to get the best value deal.)
How to watch Champions League games in New Zealand on DAZN
Every UEFA Champions League game during the 2024-25 season is streamed in high-definition on DAZN. Each game is available live and on demand.
In New Zealand, an annual subscription is $14.99 NZD per month, which also includes the UFEA Europa League; Women's Champions League; Liga F; DAZN's home of boxing; and PFL.
Watch Anthony Joshua vs. Daniel Dubois live September 21 on DAZN. Click here for details .