The much-anticipated Champions League is gearing up for the 2024/25 season, and Arsenal is among the clubs determined to claim the coveted trophy this time around.

Under the leadership of Mikel Arteta, Arsenal reached the quarter-finals last season but faced an unfortunate exit against Bayern Munich. With hopes high for the upcoming season, the Gunners are up against not just formidable opponents but also a restructured Champions League format that promises fresh challenges.

In this new format, Arsenal will compete in a league phase instead of the conventional group stages, facing off against eight different teams with the goal of securing a place in the knockout rounds.

Key Dates for Arsenal’s Champions League Journey:

**First Champions League Match:** Mark your calendars! Arsenal’s opening game is scheduled for **September 19, 2024**, where they will visit Bergamo to take on Atalanta, the reigning Europa League champions. This tie presents a significant test for the Gunners early in the tournament.

**Last League Phase Match:** The league phase wraps up later than usual, with Arsenal’s final fixture occurring on **January 29, 2025**. Arteta’s men will head to Spain to challenge Girona in what could be a pivotal match as they aim for a strong finish.

Champions League Fixture Overview:

**Knockout Rounds Draw:** A critical aspect of the Champions League is the knockout stage draws. This year's format introduces two separate draws. The first, on **January 31, 2025**, will determine matchups for the play-offs involving teams placed ninth to 24th. Those who surpass this stage move onto the next draw scheduled for **February 21, 2025**, covering the round of 16 all the way through to the semi-finals.

When Do the Knockout Rounds Start?

The knockout rounds kick off in February, ramping up excitement as the tournament progresses towards the final, which is set to unveil on **May 31, 2025**, held at the illustrious Munich Football Arena.

With fresh hopes and a new format, Arsenal is poised to make a deep run in this season's Champions League. Fans are eagerly anticipating how far their squad can go and whether they can finally lift the trophy that has eluded them since their last appearance in the final!