The UEFA Champions League is the top competition in European football. Only the best teams from each domestic league qualify to enter the tournament which takes place every season.
Historically the competition has been known at the The European Cup, but this was when just the champions of each country were allowed to enter. The new format, which was introduced in the early 90′s, allows the best leagues to enter more teams. The English Premier League is given four entries each year, these are awarded to the teams that finish in the top four the season previous.
The tournament itself consists of a group stage, featuring 32 teams in eight groups. This is followed by 3 knock out rounds, and ends with the final. The winner of tour competition can expect to earn around £18 million is prize money alone.
