The 2024/25 Champions League league phase continues into the second round of fixtures with a host of heavyweight encounters between European’s elite sides featuring on the midweek slate.

The competition, that brings together the best football clubs in Europe, has expanded from 32 to 36 teams this year. According to the new format, all the clubs will participate in the Champions League league phase (former group stage).

The top eight sides qualify automatically for the round of 16, while the teams finishing in ninth to 24th place will compete in a two-legged knock-out phase play-offs.

As Matchday 6 approaches, the battle for Champions League knockout stage qualification is reaching a fever pitch. With only the top eight teams guaranteed a direct route to the last 16, the importance of each game cannot be overstated. The likes of Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, AC Milan, and Manchester City find themselves in precarious positions outside the top eight, adding significant intrigue to the final round of group matches. Meanwhile, PSG face an uphill battle just to break into the top 24, amplifying the pressure as the competition enters a decisive phase.

Tuesday’s fixtures promise plenty of excitement, with Real Madrid facing a challenging trip to take on an in-form Atalanta. Bayer Leverkusen, the reigning Bundesliga champions, are set to clash with Serie A titleholders Inter Milan, a matchup brimming with stakes and intensity. Liverpool will aim to maintain their flawless record as they meet Girona, while Bayern Munich look to extend their winning streak against Shakhtar Donetsk.

Wednesday offers equally compelling action. Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona meet in what is set to be a high-stakes showdown, while Juventus play host to Manchester City in a critical encounter for both sides. Elsewhere, Arsenal will be seeking a strong performance at home as they take on Monaco, with qualification ambitions hanging in the balance.

The Sporting News looks at the key fixture details this week and how to follow the matches.

Champions League fixture schedule this week

All times AEDT

Wednesday, December 11

• Dinamo Zagreb vs. Celtic – 4:45 a.m.
• Girona vs. Liverpool – 4:45 a.m.
• Atalanta vs. Real Madrid – 7:00 a.m.
• Bayer Leverkusen vs. Inter Milan – 7:00 a.m.
• Brest vs. PSV Eindhoven – 7:00 a.m.
• Club Brugge vs. Sporting Lisbon – 7:00 a.m.
• RB Leipzig vs. Aston Villa – 7:00 a.m.
• Red Bull Salzburg vs. Paris Saint-German – 7:00 a.m.
• Shakhtar Donetsk vs. Bayern Munich – 7:00 a.m.

Thursday, December 12

• Atletico Madrid  vs. SK Slovan Bratislava – 4:45 a.m.
• Lille vs. Sturm Graz – 4:45 a.m.
• AC Milan vs. Crvena Zvezda – 7:00 a.m.
• Juventus vs. Manchester City – 7:00 a.m.
• Arsenal vs. Monaco – 7:00 a.m.
• Benfica vs. Bologna – 7:00 a.m.
• Borussia Dortmund vs. Barcelona – 7:00 a.m.
• Feyenoord vs. Sparta Prague – 7:00 a.m.
• Stuttgart vs. BSC Young Boys – 7:00 a.m.

Champions League live streams in Australia

Nine Entertainment-owned streaming subscription service Stan Sport holds the streaming rights for the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League in Australia. 

Stan Sport originally acquired the streaming rights for the UEFA Champions League in 2021, extended the right to broadcast the tournament from 2024 to 2027 last year.

Australian viewers can catch all 189 Champions League matches on Stan Sport this season. Additionally, they can also catch all UEFA Europa League games and UEFA Conference League fixtures on the platform.

Here are the full live stream details to watch this week’s Champions League matches: