Champions League makes historic change as round of 16 approaches

For over a generation, UEFA Champions League games have been played on Tuesday and Wednesday nights (in Europe). However, the 2024/25 revamp of the competition has led to deviations from that ‘traditional’ scheduling on occasion, including the all-important Matchday 8, which takes place solely on Wednesday, January 29.

There is a whole lot at stake in the final games of the new league phase.

All eyes on Real Madrid and Manchester City on UCL Matchday 8

Which six other teams will join Liverpool and Barcelona in qualifying directly for the round of 16? Will Real Madrid be one of 16 clubs forced into taking part in a playoff to secure a last-16 spot? Can Manchester City climb up the standing to avoid a shock early exit along with 11 other clubs?

Why are there no Champions League games on Tuesday, January 28?

It is precisely because there is so much to play for that UEFA has scheduled all 18 Matchday 8 game at exactly the same time: kicking off at 3pm ET on Wednesday, January 29.

Unlike in the previous Champions League format, every game has an impact on the same league table, and other each of the 36 teams as a result.

2024/25 Champions League Matchday 8 games

First ever Champions League games on a Thursday

Earlier in this season’s competition, Champions League games took place on a Thursday for the first time, usually reserved for the Europa League and Conference League. That was due to UEFA’s newly-introduced ‘exclusive week,’ which gives each of the three European competitors a week in the spotlight.

Matchday 1 of the league phase was played across three days: Tuesday, September 17, Wednesday, September 18 and Thursday, September 19, before the ‘usual’ Tuesday-Wednesday schedule was adopted between Matchdays 2 and 7.

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