Champions League 2020-21 Stadiums and Fixtures

On the back of the highly disrupted 2019-20 Champions League campaign that saw the final delayed until August due to the corona virus pandemic, the 2020-21 tournament got underway late.  This meant group games were packed into seven week period between October and December.  Combined with a similarly congested domestic schedule for teams it meant many of the top clubs faltered early on.

Most of the matches were held behind closed doors too, which had a strange effect on some teams that feed on European atmosphere.  Liverpool, for example, lost a rather drab quarter-final against Real Madrid, a contest that would usually be a cacophony of noise between two European powerhouses.

It was two English teams, however, that managed to use the conditions to their advantage, Man City and Chelsea (some would argue the atmosphere is not as important for these teams).  Man City, who have sought the trophy for over a decade, at last reached the final and were heavy favourites to beat Chelsea, who were unexpected finalists with their new manager Thomas Tuchel only taking over in January (he had taken PSG to the final in 2020 but lost).  The occasion seemed to overcome Man City and it was a tactical masterclass from Chelsea that saw them win their second title thanks to a 1-0 win in Porto’s Estádio do Dragão.

The final itself brought controversy.  Initially it was supposed to be held in Istanbul’s Atatürk Olympic Stadium, the scene of Liverpool’s famous 2005 win.  By the time the final rolled around, however, Turkey was placed on the UK’s red travel list meaning neither Chelsea or City fans could travel to the game.  The clubs lobbied for Wembley to be used instead, given both finalists were from the England and foreign travel was discouraged at the time.

UEFA, however, decided to hold the final instead in Portugal.  Why did they do this?  Simply because the UK would not waive all restrictions for sponsors and VIP’s to attend at Wembley.  Showing once and for all that UEFA value corporate sponsors more than fans, to say nothing of the climate implications.

Below is a list of the fixtures and stadiums used for the 2020-2021 Champions League.

Group A

Group B

Group C

Group D

Group E

Group F

Group G

Group H

Round of 16

Quarter Finals

Semi Finals

2021 Champions League Final