August 29, 2024 – Evening
The cameras panned across the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco, where football's elite gathered under the golden glow of spotlights for the much-anticipated UEFA Champions League draw.
For the first time, the single-league format would take full effect—no more group stages.
Each of the 36 qualified teams would face eight opponents, four at home, four away, with their rankings forming one long table.
The draw ceremony was sleek, the stage polished, the theme music dramatic.
Former players stood beside UEFA officials, picking out the matchups one by one from large, glowing bowls.
Excitement and tension hung in the air.
Among the crowd sat representatives from across the continent—executives, coaches, ex-players.
Cameras caught FC Barcelona's current manager Hansi Flick watching intently, his expression unreadable.
