Twenty-four sides still have dreams of lifting the Champions League trophy this season
The Champions League returns this week and some of Europe's biggest names will be back in action earlier than they would have hoped.
From September to January, 36 teams each played eight different opponents with the top eight leaping into the last 16, while the bottom 12 have been eliminated.
Those that finished between ninth and 24th now have a two-legged knockout play-off to navigate with the eight winners advancing to the last 16.
Reigning European champions Paris St-Germain are among those returning, so too Inter Milan, the team they beat in the 2025 final.
