The Champions League draws live updates: the competition continues to dominate teams from England, Spain, Germany and Italy, with 19 out of 36 teams from these nations. England has six representatives last season, thanks to the victory of the European League Tottenham Hotspur.
Only 16 countries will have clubs participating in the Champions League, although UEFA has 55 member associations. France will have three teams in the competition and leave limited places for clubs from smaller European leagues.
This season welcomes several newcomers of the Champions League. Kairat Almaty became only the second team Kazakhstani, who qualified after the defeat of Celtic in the playoffs. The town of Almaty is located 5,800 km east of Budapest, where the final of this season will take place.
The Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt first qualified in its history and became the first representative of the country by Rosenborg in 2007/08. Union Saint-Gillis secured its appearance of the Champions League after claiming its first Belgian title in 90 years.
The Cypriis Champions of Pafos, representing former Chelsea, PSG and Arsenal defender David Luiz, also make their debut in the competition.
“We are a black sheep of the Champions League and we are expected to suffer and lose games, but we will fight, compete and just enjoy the way,” said Pafos coach Juan Carlos Carcedo on Marca.
The best finishes of the previous season in the league phase showed a strong performance in the Knockout phases. While Liverpool’s first place did not guarantee success, three other teams – Barcelona, Arsenal and Inter – all achieved the semifinals.
Financial rewards for participating in the Champions League have reached an unprecedented level. UEFA expects total price of almost EUR 2.5 billion ($ 2.9 billion), while winners potentially earn more than EUR 100 million only at prices.
Including TV rights and coefficient payment rights, the total PSG gain from the victory of last season was closer to 150 million euros.
