sport news BBC to air midweek Match of the Day when they begin showing Champions League ... trends now
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Football fans can look forward to free Champions League highlights when the BBC begin screening Europe's elite competition next season.
The Beeb were 'simply thrilled' to secure the rights in a three-year deal with UEFA that will return the Champions League to terrestrial channels.
It coincides with an expansion and revamp of the competition, with the group stage jumping from 32 to 36 teams who will all be ranked in a single table.
Each participant will play eight group games strung out in midweek slots between September and January.
The top eight in the ranking advance straight to the last-16. Teams placed 9th to 24th enter a play-off round with the bottom eight eliminated, with no Europa League consolation prize.
The Champions League will have a new home on free-to-air television from next season
The BBC are planning a midweek Match of the Day-style programme. Their Saturday night Premier League coverage is fronted by Gary Lineker
BBC viewers will be able to enjoy the best European football - pictured is England captain
