RADIO
The UEFA Champions League is back for its 70th season since its introduction in 1955, and this year brings significant changes. With an additional 12 teams joining the competition, the number of participating clubs has expanded to 36.
The most notable change, however, is the introduction of the league phase, which replaces the traditional group-stage format. But what does this new structure mean for our Champions League fantasy teams? As RotoBaller embarks on its second season covering the UEFA Champions League, this article serves as your beginner guide to the thrilling journey of the Champions League 2024-2025 season, with its final set to take place at Munich Football Arena, Germany.
The Matchday 1 deadline of the 2024-2025 UEFA Champions League season is Tuesday, September 17 at 12:45 p.m. EDT, when Young Boys entertains Aston Villa and Juventus hosts PSV Eindhoven. Also, check out the rest of our excellent soccer coverage as the squad gets you all set for every English Premier League slate with our EPL DFS lineup picks and betting picks.
The league phase table 💫#UCL pic.twitter.com/dlMOJW6nbO
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) September 2, 2024
Season Recap: 2023-2024 Champions League Campaign
Many soccer fans consider the 2023-2024 season a remarkable Champions League competition. However, this was the final campaign in a group-stage format. It generates a lot of highlights that viewers will remember. Some of those memories include:
Bayern Munich Group Stage Dominance: After going unbeaten in the 2023-2024 group-stage matches, the German side extended their undefeated streak in group-stage play to 40 games, closing out the final season of the group-stage format.
Our record from our last 40 Champions League group stage games 😤
⚽️ 119 goals scored
🥅 29 goals conceded
✅ 36 wins
⚖️ 4 draws
❌ 𝐙𝐞𝐫𝐨 𝐝𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐬 🔥#MiaSanMia pic.twitter.com/ejBUDvyZBn— FC Bayern Munich (@FCBayernEN) December 12, 2023
Real Madrid Champions League Record Winners: Los Blancos' journey to the final was no easy feat. Real Madrid achieved a perfect record in the group stage and claimed its 15th Champions League title, solidifying its position as the team with the most Champions League trophies.
2024 CHAMPIONS: Real Madrid 🏆#UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/msoVjUWhRy
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) June 1, 2024
Legends Depart: Following the conclusion of the 2023-2024 Champions League final, club icons Marco Reus of Borussia Dortmund and Toni Kroos of Real Madrid decided to part ways with their respective teams, leaving a lasting legacy. Kroos will officially retire after completing his final campaign at the UEFA Euro 2024 tournament.
Respect.#UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/W5SrRbv14B
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) June 1, 2024
Individual Accolades: Several standout performances during the 2023-2024 season received recognition for their significant impact:
- 2023-2024 Player of the Season: Vinicius Junior - The Real Madrid forward was a sensation throughout the competition, contributing six goals and five assists. He also scored a crucial goal in the final, helping Real Madrid secure its 15th Champions League title.
- Golden Glove Winner: Gregor Kobel - Borussia Dortmund's goalkeeper earned the Golden Glove Award after keeping six clean sheets and making 46 saves for the German side.
- Golden Boot: Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe - Bayern Munich forward Harry Kane and then-Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe finished as joint top scorers, each netting eight goals for their respective clubs.
👕✨ Introducing the 2023/24 UEFA Champions League Team of the Season, as selected by UEFA's Technical Observer panel.#UCL || #UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/njYgChEOoc
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) June 3, 2024
Adapting to the New League Format: Key Differences from Previous UCL Seasons
The expanded format and removal of the group stage present challenges and opportunities for fantasy managers. Here’s what to consider:
More Teams, More Options: With 36 teams in the league phase, there are more players to choose from across Europe’s top leagues. This opens up more differential picks and budget options but also requires careful research to identify hidden gems from lesser-known teams.
Strategy Adjustments: The league phase means every team plays eight games instead of six in the group stage. This could impact player rotation, fitness, and form. Managers must be more vigilant about selecting players who consistently start and perform well across more matches.
Fixture Difficulty: The league format could create more unpredictability in fixtures. Teams won’t be limited to facing just three others in a group; they’ll play a variety of opponents from across the spectrum of European football. Fantasy managers must pay close attention to fixture schedules and adapt their selections accordingly.
Captaincy Flexibility: With more matchdays per round, the league phase gives managers more flexibility regarding captaincy choices. The increase in games allows for more opportunities to maximize points from star players on form.
Ultimately, the new Champions League format demands more strategic thinking and adaptability from fantasy managers. Keeping up with fixture schedules, team news, and player form will be crucial to staying ahead in this evolving competition.
Must-Have UCL Fantasy Players To Consider
Erling Haaland (€11m) - Manchester City
With seven goals in the first three Premier League matches, Erling Haaland has proven to be nothing short of a goal machine for Manchester City. The 24-year-old Norwegian has a record 41 goals in 39 Champions League outings. Priced at €11m, if there's one player you can count on for goals in your Champions League fantasy team, it's Braut Erling Haaland.
Haaland 📸#UCL pic.twitter.com/x0qLjymOjN
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) September 3, 2024
Kylian Mbappe (€11m) - Real Madrid
Since signing for his dream team in the summer, Kylian Mbappe has scored three goals in his last five games for Real Madrid and is in top form for Los Blancos. Regarding Champions League pedigree, Mbappe has 48 goals and 22 assists in this contest and will relish his chances when representing Real Madrid for the first time.
™️#UCL pic.twitter.com/EqpqBwL6Vs
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) September 2, 2024
Mohamed Salah (€10m) - Liverpool
Mohamed Salah, Liverpool's talismanic figure, returns to the Champions League and is back in fine form under new boss Arne Slot. The 32-year-old Egyptian has scored three goals and contributed three assists in the opening three matches for Liverpool in the English Premier League.
Salah has 44 goals and 13 assists in the Champions League. A proficient player who always steps up in the big game for the Reds, the Egyptian winger is quite reliable and will be a pivotal asset to have on your fantasy team.
Does Salah make your squad? 👀
Tap to create your #UCL fantasy team 👇
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) September 4, 2024
Bukayo Saka (€9m) - Arsenal
With a goal and two assists in his last two Premier League games, Arsenal "Starboy" Bukayo Saka is another must-have player to consider for your team. The Englishman has tallied four goals and four assists in his last nine Champions League appearances, making him a top pick and a player high on my watchlist for the upcoming season.
🌶️#UCL pic.twitter.com/YZdbIdWJCs
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) September 5, 2024
Harry Kane (€10.5m) - Bayern Munich
The 2023-2024 Champions League Golden Boot winner, Harry Kane, is undoubtedly a player to watch as the new contest begins. With 29 goals in his last 44 Champions League appearances, Kane is set to be a crucial asset for the German side and a must-have in any fantasy team this season.
Honorable mentions: Jamal Musiala of Bayern Munich, Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City, Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool, and Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting CP are also fantastic options for your fantasy team where necessary.
Join The RotoBaller League
Once again, join our RotoBaller.com league. Hit any of our writers up over the next two weeks, we will give you the code (also in the graphic below), and you'll be good to go. Good luck for UEFA Champions League Fantasy, RotoBallers!
Stick around for more UCL Fantasy content coming soon. Is there a question you would like to have answered every week? Hit us up on X @RotoBaller. We would love to hear your feedback and ideas!
