Today marks the start of the UEFA Champions League, in a version described as the strongest in the tournament's history, featuring 36 teams, including five from La Liga and six from the Premier League, with the notable absence of two historical giants, Manchester United and AC Milan.

Until the final scheduled for May 30 in the Hungarian capital, Budapest, the best clubs in the continent will compete for the crown currently held by Paris Saint-Germain.

This edition is rich with record numbers; it includes 7 teams whose market value exceeds one billion euros, led by Real Madrid (€1.4 billion), followed by Arsenal (€1.333 billion), Manchester City (€1.230 billion), Liverpool (€1.120 billion), Barcelona (€1.110 billion), Chelsea (€1.080 billion), and Paris Saint-Germain (€1.070 billion).

Additionally, 18 players have a market value exceeding €100 million, led by Lamine Yamal (€200 million), followed by Haaland, Mbappe, and Bellingham (€180 million), Vinicius Junior (€170 million), and Saka (€150 million), reflecting the caliber of stars present in the tournament.

According to the new system, all teams will play 8 matches in the group stage (four at home and four away), with the top eight teams qualifying directly for the Round of 16, while teams ranked 9-24 will enter a playoff round.