Champions League knockout stages: How will they work? Who are the favourites?

The latest odds for this season’s unique Champions League

Following the example of most of Europe’s top leagues, the Champions League is set to resume behind closed doors this summer.

But the lack of fans won’t be the only change from the regular format. With restrictions on travel and health and safety precautions to take into account, UEFA have changed the structure of this year’s tournament.

Before it gets underway, we’ve run through the changes and looked at the top contenders…

How will it work?

From the quarter-final stage, every game will be played as part of a straight knockout tournament in Lisbon from August 12-23.

That means ties will be played over one leg rather than two. If a match finishes level after 90 minutes, it will be settled by extra-time, then penalties if needed.

The games will be split between Benfica’s Estádio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica and Sporting CP’s Estádio José Alvalade. The final will be held at Benfica’s 64,642-capacity ground.

This year’s final was due to be held at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul. The Turkish stadium will now host next year’s event instead.

Clubs are also unable to use players that they sign before the tournament restarts. For example, Chelsea can’t select either Hakim Ziyech or Timo Werner.

What about the rest of the last-16 ties?