How the new league phase format plays out

The UEFA Women's Champions League has introduced a new league phase format starting from the 2021-22 season. The format aims to provide more matches and increased exposure for the participating teams. The competition now features a group stage with 16 teams divided into four groups of four. Each team plays the other three teams in their group twice, once at home and once away. The top two teams from each group advance to the quarterfinals. The new format ensures that each team plays a minimum of six matches, up from the previous two-legged knockout format. This change is expected to enhance the overall quality of the competition and provide more opportunities for the players to showcase their skills. The draw for the league phase is conducted in a seeded manner, with the top-ranked teams placed in separate groups. This approach is intended to create a more balanced and competitive tournament. The revised format aims to increase the visibility and popularity of the women's game, offering a more engaging and exciting experience for both players and fans.