The main difference for this season's Champions League is that the group stage has been replaced with a new 'league phase', and the number of teams competing has increased from 32 to 36.

Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Aston Villa and Celtic feature in a new Champions League format this season - here's everything you need to know... How does the new Champions League 'league ...

The new Champions League format means it is not easy for any team, said Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone before his side visit Czech champions Sparta Prague on Tuesday.