What new Champions League 'Swiss model' format means for Liverpool

The UEFA Champions League kicks off tonight with a new format following recent reforms to the prestigious European competition.

Liverpool will face AC Milan at San Siro in their opening match of the revamped league stage. This game marks the start of the new Swiss model format, which replaces the traditional group stages.

Under this new system, the competition has expanded to include 36 teams—four more than in the previous format. READ MORE How fans can watch Liverpool vs AC Milan

How does new Champions League format work?

The 36 teams in the competition are divided into four pots for the new league stage. Each team is drawn against two teams from each of the other pots, ensuring they face eight opponents of similar strength.

To avoid national rivals clashing in the league phase, teams from the same country are not drawn against each other unless there are no other options. This system was designed to maintain competitive balance and provide a fair challenge for all participating teams.

Each team will play eight matches against different opponents, with an equal number of home and away games (four of each).

The top eight teams from this league phase will advance directly to the knockout stages, while those finishing between ninth and 24th will enter a two-legged play-off for a spot in the Round of 16. The bottom 12 teams will be eliminated, with no opportunity to move into the Europa League.

Liverpool's goalkeeper, Alisson, voiced concerns about the increased number of games ahead of the Milan fixture. He expressed frustration that players' opinions on the matter seem to be overlooked.

"Sometimes nobody asks the players what they think about adding more games," said the Brazilian. "Everybody's tired of that. We need to be listened to because if you're tired, you can't compete at a high level. "I want to give my best in every game, but it seems we're not close to finding a solution that benefits both football and the players."

What are Liverpool's fixtures?

AC Milan (A) - Tuesday 17  September

Bologna (H) - Wednesday 2 October

RB Leipzig (A) - Wednesday 23 October

Bayer Leverkusen (H) - Tuesday 5 November

Real Madrid (H) - Wednesday 27  November

Girona (A) - Tuesday 10 December

Lille (H) - Tuesday 21 January

PSV Eindhoven (A) - Wednesday 29 January

WATCH: AC Milan vs Liverpool in the Champions League on Prime Video.