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How to play Champions League Fantasy Football

The return of UEFA Champions League Fantasy is imminent so here’s a handy guide to taking part for the knockout rounds, with great prizes still to be won.

The UEFA Champions League trophy
The UEFA Champions League trophy POOL/AFP via Getty Images

With the resumption of the UEFA Champions League season fast approaching, use the following guide to get involved in our popular #UCLfantasy game for the knockout phase and (hopefully) be in contention for some great prizes that are still up for grabs. Happy playing!

Play Champions League Fantasy

Building a squad

2019/20 champions Bayern lift the trophy in Lisbon
2019/20 champions Bayern lift the trophy in LisbonUEFA via Getty Images

Once you've created your account, you will be given a budget of €105.0m to spend on your squad of 15 players for the round of 16 onwards.

A squad is made up of:

  • Two goalkeepers
  • Five defenders
  • Five midfielders
  • Three forwards

A maximum of four players can be chosen from any one club in the round of 16 – rising throughout the knockout rounds.

Selecting your team

Bayern's Robert Lewandowski was the top Fantasy scorer in 2019/20
Bayern's Robert Lewandowski was the top Fantasy scorer in 2019/20Getty Images

You must choose a starting XI from your 15-man squad before each matchweek deadline.

You have a choice of formations, but your line-up must include a goalkeeper, at least three defenders, at least two midfielders and at least one forward.

The deadline is always the kick-off time of the first fixtures of the matchweek – typically 21:00 CET on the Tuesday.

Scoring points

Your team earns points based on their actions during a match, with the big points awarded for goals, assists and clean sheets.

Players can also earn additional points from actions such as saves, recovered balls and earning penalties, among many others.

Barcelona forward Lionel Messi
Barcelona forward Lionel MessiGetty Images

Your points are scored by your 11 starting players – but a key element of #UCLfantasy is the ability to change your team between games on the Tuesday and Wednesday. Lionel Messi drawn a blank on Tuesday? No matter – switch him out for Robert Lewandowski on Wednesday!

Managers must choose a captain whose score is doubled – and you can also change skippers between Tuesday and Wednesday matches for maximum returns.

Leagues

After picking your squad, you can join and create leagues to compete with friends and others across the world.

Erling Braut Haaland proved a key Fantasy asset in 2019/20
Erling Braut Haaland proved a key Fantasy asset in 2019/20Getty Images

Private leagues are the heart and soul of the game, where you can compete against your friends, family and colleagues. Simply join or create a league and then send out the unique code to allow others to join.

There's no limit on the number of teams in a single league but users can only be a part of a maximum of 20 private leagues.

Making transfers

After selecting your initial squad, you can replace your assets with other players in the transfer market. Unlimited transfers can be made until the round of 16 first leg deadline, while you get three free transfers ahead of the second legs – and more for the quarter-finals.

This enables you to replace one player in their 15-man squad with another, as long as the switch is within your budget.

If you want to make additional transfers in a matchweek, you will lose four points for each one.

Cristiano Ronaldo is always worthy of consideration
Cristiano Ronaldo is always worthy of considerationGetty Images

Player prices

Player prices will change depending on performance.

Chips

Two additional features are available for you to enhance your performance and score higher points. These are:

  • Wildcard: unlimited transfers free of charge for one matchday
  • Limitless Wildcard: create a team without any budget restrictions and make unlimited transfers for one matchday