The UEFA Champions League is the major international club football tournament in Europe. The competition begins already in late June and lasts for almost a year, ending with the final played in late May or early June. After several qualifying rounds the group stage is where the “true” Champions League begins for many viewers. Eight groups with four teams each battle through six rounds to qualify for the knock-out phase. Then a round of 16, quarterfinals and then semifinals needs to be won before a place in the final is secured.
The UEFA Europa League, abbreviated as UEL and commonly referred to as just the Europa League, is an annual football club competition organised by UEFA. It is the second-tier competition for football clubs in Europa, beneath the UEFA Champions League in value and importance. Teams qualify through their performance in their national leagues and cup competitions. Some teams qualify from the Champions League; more precisely the teams who are knocked out in the playoff qualifying round and the third-place finishers of the group stage. The winner of the Europa League qualifies for the Champions League in their next competitive season.
