THE 20/21 CHAMPIONS LEAGUE WILL KEEP THE SAME FORMAT BUT WITH DIFFERENT DATES

With their place in the UEFA Champions League mathematically assured, Sevilla FC can begin to look ahead to how the 2020/21 season will be. Regarding European competitions, there are some changes due to the pandemic, but it will remain very similar to the standard format. 

There are changes to qualification to both the UCL and UEL, due to the current situation and the need to allow time for countries to finish their respective league seasons. However, Sevilla FC are already in the UEFA Champions League Group Stage, which will be played in the same format.

The Group Stage will be played in consecutive weeks between October and December, with just two weeks of rest

However, the dates will change. Normally, the draw is made in the first week of September, but this time it will be made on 1st October in Athens, a day before the qualification rounds finish. The first Group Stage match will take place on 20th or 21st October.

Istanbul will host the final on 29th May

Unlike normal years, midweek Champions League fixtures in the Group Stage will take place in consecutive weeks. The second match will be played just a week after the opener, 27th/28th October, while the third match will come on 3rd/4th November. A two-week break then follows, with the fourth match taking place on 24th/25th November, before the final two fixtures on 1st/2nd December and 8th/9th December. 

From that point on, the calendar should be similar to what it normally is, with the Round of 16 draw on 14th December before the ties take place at the end of February. The final is in Istanbul, as they were meant to host the final this year. That match will take place on 29th May.