If you have fallen down the rabbit hole into the world of football, we understand how confusing it can sometimes be. With multiple leagues going on globally, simultaneously, it’s easy to get lost in the sea of the leagues. That’s why, our guide is here to ease your confusion and answer your burning question, “Premier League vs Champions League, what’s the difference?”
These are two heavy-weight leagues that have ensnared fans all over the world, and they keep working their charm every season. The Premier League and the Champions League matches draw immense viewership almost every matchday. And there are quite a few major differences between the two leagues.
While the Premier League is a domestic English event played by clubs from England and Wales, the Champions League is a pan-Europe tournament where clubs from all over Europe try to qualify and chase this esteemed title. From the format to the number of participating clubs, let’s take a closer look at the key differences between the two renowned leagues.
What is the Champions League?
Although its name might suggest a league, the UEFA Champions League is actually a knockout tournament contested by footballing supergiants from all the European countries. Previously known as the European Champions Clubs Cup, or simply, European Cup, it was started in 1955, after French journalist, Gabriel Hanot put forth a petition to determine the best team in Europe.
But in 1992, it went through a complete rebranding, right from including more clubs, and changing the format, to introducing a new logo. The Champions League that we see today gradually evolved over time, in fact, it’s still evolving as its new format was introduced this year.
The Old and New Format of the Champions League
The old format of the Champions League was made up of a series of knockout rounds, with a previous group stage. It involved 32 teams, divided into eight groups of four each, and every club had to play against the other 3 teams in their group twice, once home and once away. Now, the first two teams from each group would qualify for the round of 16, while the third-place teams would move into the UEFA Europa League.
From the round of 16, and in all the other knockout rounds as well, the teams would be paired up for two games, home and away, and the winners would make it to the next round. However, this was the old format, and a new and highly controversial format has been introduced for the 2024-25 season.
From this season onwards, 36 teams will take part in the Champions League. The group stage has been removed and replaced by the league stage where the clubs will be divided into four pots of nine each. This distribution into pots will be based on the club coefficient with pot number 1 including the clubs with the best coefficients.
Each team will have to play eight games against eight different opponents, four away and four home. After the league stage concludes, the first eight teams will proceed to the round of 16. The teams who stand between the 9th and 24th positions will face a knockout play-off round to occupy the remaining eight places in the round of 16.
As complicated as it sounds, the UEFA has claimed that it will give more football to the fans, while also bringing in more diversity due to the inclusion of more clubs. However, it has drawn criticism from many players as they have their calendars full with the numerous games they have to play, giving them little time to rest.
As compared to the Premier League, the UCL actually has a match to determine the winner, rather than the standing of the team on the table. As it involves clubs from all over Europe, the Champions League attracts global attention and fanfare due to the participation of diverse clubs.
5 Teams with the Most Champions League Titles
The Champions League has witnessed some incredible clubs and players grace its matches, and the global pools of talent have won this eagerly coveted title for their clubs. Here are the five teams that have won the most Champions League titles.
| Club | No. of League Titles |
| Real Madrid | 15 |
| Milan | 7 |
| Liverpool | 6 |
| Bayern München | 6 |
| Barcelona | 5 |
What is the Premier League?
In 1992, the First Division teams broke away from the English Football League and established the English Premier League. This move not only developed and fortified football in England but the league also had commercial independence for broadcasting and sponsorship. And today, it is one of the highly anticipated leagues that fans can’t get enough of.
Every year in August, the much-awaited Premier League kicks off, concluding in May. It is considered to be a league full of tough competition and surprises as it sees some of the biggest footballing titans face each other. Although it started with 22 teams in 1992, it reduced to 20 teams from the 1994-95 season to make it more exclusive and highly competitive.
Format of the Premier League
Unlike the Champions League, the format of the Premier League is simple enough to understand. 20 teams play against each other twice, once home and once away, totalling 38 games per team in the whole season. The team that finishes first on the table, with the maximum points at the end of the season, takes the winning crown, as opposed to a final match held in the Champions League.
During the season, teams are awarded three points for a win, one point for a draw and zero points for a loss. But if two teams have the same points at the end, then goal difference comes into play. The difference between the goals scored and conceded by a team is known as the goal difference or GD. When two teams have similar points, the team with the higher GD takes the higher position on the table.
But what if, although super rare, even the GD of two teams is the same? Then the focus is on the goals scored by the team. The winner and the clubs in the second, third and fourth positions are promoted to the Champions League, while the teams in the fifth and sixth positions enter the UEFA Europa League.
Sadly, the last three teams are relegated to the Championship, the second-tier competition in England. Meanwhile, the first two teams of the Championship get promoted to the Premier League, and there’s a play-off for the third team to be promoted between the teams that take the third, fourth, fifth and sixth positions.
5 Teams with the Most Premier League Titles
The Premier League has also seen some of the most iconic players and performances pulled off by the English clubs in its history. Here are the five teams that have won the most Premier League titles.
| Club | No. of League Titles |
| Manchester United | 20 |
| Liverpool | 19 |
| Arsenal | 13 |
| Manchester City | 10 |
| Everton | 9 |
7bet Odds
For those interested in placing bets on football matches, 7bet offers odds and options for the Premier League and the Champions League along with other footballing events. Visit the 7bet betting page for more information.
FAQs
Which Teams Have Won the Premier League and the Champions League in the Same Season?
Manchester United won the Premier League and the Champions League in the same season twice, in the 1998-99 and 2007-08 seasons. The only other club to win both titles in the same season is Manchester City during the 2022-23 season.
How Many Premier League Teams Have Won the Champions League?
Manchester United, Liverpool, Nottingham Forest, Aston Villa, Chelsea and Manchester City are the six Premier League teams that have won the Champions League at least once.
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