The Journey to Budapest Begins
The Champions League, which started as the European Champion Clubs’ Cup and has continued under its current name, kicks off its 71st season in search of a new champion. Last season, Paris Saint-Germain humiliated Inter in the final at the Allianz Arena with a historic 5-0 victory, making their opponents regret even reaching the final. Although PSG will try to defend their crown, it will be anything but easy.
With the format change introduced last season, the group stage was replaced by a league phase, and the number of participating teams increased from 32 to 36, while the number of matches per team went from 6 to 8. This new structure, implemented for the first time last season, will remain in place this year. The competition, being held under the Champions League name for the 34th time, will culminate in the grand final on May 30, 2026, at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest, Hungary.
As the world’s second most active online ticket marketplace, Seatpin will once again help you secure Champions League tickets at the best prices throughout the season.
Champions League Tickets on Seatpin
Wherever there is a sporting event worth watching in the world, Seatpin delivers its tickets to fans. Alongside tickets for Europe’s top leagues—England, Spain, Italy, Germany, France, Portugal, the Netherlands, Turkey—you’ll also find tickets for the continent’s most prestigious competition, the UEFA Champions League.
The 2025–26 Champions League season kicks off with matches on September 16–17–18, and Seatpin is your trusted destination to access tickets at the best prices.
English and Spanish Teams Could Challenge PSG
Looking at the history of Champions League winners, we see that in the last 12 seasons, Spanish and English clubs have claimed the trophy on 10 occasions. Real Madrid, the most successful club in the tournament’s history with 15 titles, has lifted the cup 5 times in the last decade, extending their dominance. Under new coach Xabi Alonso, Madrid is once again among the favorites.
Barcelona, despite surpassing Madrid in last season’s La Liga, has failed to win a single Champions League title in the last decade compared to their rival’s five triumphs. With Lamine Yamal leading the way, they aim to finally break through this season.
For English clubs Liverpool and Manchester City, who disappointed last year, this season could be a chance for redemption. Liverpool, despite finishing the league phase in first place, were unlucky to meet PSG in the Round of 16. City, meanwhile, had a disastrous campaign, finishing 22nd and falling to Real Madrid in the play-offs. Arsenal, a semifinalist last season, and Chelsea, the reigning Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup winners, are also strong contenders.
Among non-English and non-Spanish sides, Bayern Munich, last crowned in 2020, remain a key favorite this year. Still, whether one of the eight heavyweights will prevail or whether dark horses like Dortmund, Ajax, Benfica, Atlético Madrid, Tottenham, or Galatasaray can spring a surprise, remains to be seen. Whatever the outcome, Seatpin is here to ensure you don’t miss Europe’s biggest football nights.
Three Debutants
This season, three clubs will compete in the league phase for the first time in their history. Kazakh champions Kairat stunned Celtic in the play-offs by winning on penalties after starting their campaign in the very first qualifying round in July. They will be joined by Cypriot champions Pafos, who eliminated Red Star Belgrade, and Norwegian champions Bodø/Glimt, who knocked out Sturm Graz after last season’s run to the Conference League semifinals.
If you’re eager to see how these debutants fare against Europe’s elite, Seatpin will provide access to all their Champions League matches throughout the season.
The Format at a Glance
The 36 teams of the league phase are divided into 4 seeding pots. Each club plays 8 matches—facing one team from each pot at home and one away. No club faces the same opponent twice, nor do clubs from the same country meet at this stage.
At the end of this phase, the standings will be determined from 1st to 36th based on points, goal difference, and goals scored.
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The top 8 advance directly to the Round of 16.
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Teams ranked 9th–24th will play in a play-off round, with 9th meeting 23rd or 24th, 16th facing 17th or 18th, and so on.
From there, the competition continues in a two-legged knockout format through the Round of 16, quarterfinals, and semifinals, leading up to the single-match grand final in Budapest.
If you want to witness the greatest moments of European football live, Seatpin remains your trusted global platform for Champions League tickets all season long.
