The 2024/25 UEFA Champions League is upon us, and this season brings with it not just the traditional excitement but also a new competition format. Europe’s premier competition has always been a hotbed for football betting due to the quality of teams and stunning goals, with the new Swiss-style format set to heighten the competition, dominated by Real Madrid over recent years, even more.
Each team will play eight league matches against different opponents, as opposed to the 32-team competition where groups of four played each other home and away. It is likely home advantage will prove vital for teams, with fans able to experience thrilling new matchups in some of the continent’s most legendary venues.
In this article, we take a look at some of the best stadiums hosting games throughout the 2024/25 Champions League season.
Allianz Arena – Bayern Munich
The Allianz Arena, home to German giants Bayern Munich, is not only one of the most modern and state-of-the-art stadiums in the world – a prime example of peak German architecture that is a fortress in both the Bundesliga and the Champions League
The Munich arena will host the 2025 Champions League final on 31 May 2025, making it the second time it has hosted a final after Bayern’s capitulation against Chelsea in 2012 on penalties.
With its sleek design and unique exterior that lights up in the club’s colours, the Allianz Arena is an imposing venue for visiting teams. Bayern’s formidable home record in Europe is well-known, and their fans create an incredible atmosphere that can make the difference in crucial fixtures.
As one of the standout venues of this season, it’s fitting that the road to the final will culminate here, with Bayern in search of their first European crown since Hansi Flick’s side won the treble in 2020.
San Siro – AC Milan and Inter Milan
The legendary San Siro, shared by AC Milan and Internazionale, was set to be torn down next year, but its immense historical significance will keep the Italian ground intact for the foreseeable future.
The ground has hosted memorable moments in European football, with UEFA in talks to award San Siro with the hosts of the 2027 Champions League final, having successfully welcomed a Madrid Derby for the 2016 final in which Real Madrid won on penalties.
Both Milanese clubs will play important fixtures here, with AC Milan hosting Liverpool and Inter facing Arsenal in the league phase.
Estadio da Luz – Benfica
Lisbon’s Estadio da Luz is another venue steeped in history, having hosted numerous significant Champions League matches.
Its vibrant atmosphere, combined with Benfica’s attacking style of play, makes it a challenging destination for any visiting team.
This season, Benfica will look to make the most of their home advantage as they take on European heavyweights like Atletico Madrid and Barcelona. If the Eagles can harness their passionate support, they could emerge as dark horses in the competition, making the Estadio da Luz one of the must-watch venues.
Santiago Bernabéu (Real Madrid)
Home to the defending champions Real Madrid, the Santiago Bernabéu is a footballing cathedral known for its grandeur and history.
Los Blancos won a record-extending 16th Champions League title when they beat Borussia Dortmund at Wembley, and the Bernabéu has played a significant role in many of those triumphs in the build-up to finals over the years.
This season, Carlo Ancelotti’s side, bolstered by the arrival of Kylian Mbappé, will once again aim for European glory. With a capacity of over 81,000, the Bernabéu provides an intimidating stage for opponents, and the sheer size of the pitch offers an advantage to Madrid’s fluid attacking play.
As always, expect some classic European nights at the Bernabéu throughout 2024/25, including a rematch of last year’s final against Dortmund in October.
To read more, Click Here
