UEFA Champions League schedule: How to watch, live stream group stage matches in Canada

A total of 11 of the 16 available spots in the UEFA Champions League knockout round have been claimed, leaving just enough drama for a compelling group stage finale on Dec. 7-8.

It's an absolute free-for-all in Group G, where all four teams — LOSC Lille, RB Salzburg, Sevilla and VfL Wolfsburg — are in the running to claim the two available berths. All four Group G teams are within three points of one another heading into a compelling final matchday.

There is also a single spot still up for grabs in: 

• Group B: Porto (5 points), AC Milan (4 points) and Atletico Madrid (4 points) are still battling for second place.
• Group E: Barcelona (7 points) and Benfica (5 points) are still in contention to claim a ticket out of Group E.
• Group F: Villarreal (7 points) and Atalanta (6 points) will meet in Italy for the right to move on to the Round of 16. 

MORE: Latest Champions League group standings

The top seed is the prize on the line in Group D (Real Madrid or Inter Milan) and Group H (Chelsea or Juventus). Finishing as the top seed guarantees drawing a group runner-up in the Round of 16, as well as playing the second leg of the Round of 16 at home. That's considered an advantage if the series goes to extra time and penalty kicks in that second leg. (The Round of 16 kicks off in February 2022 following a winter break.)

The only two groups with virtually nothing to play for are Group A and Group C, though RB Leipzig and Club Brugge will be tussling to finish in third place in Group A for a playoff spot in the secondary Europa League. Borussia Dortmund has already locked up third place in Group C.

Round of 16 Draw: Date, teams, seeds and rules for knockout draw

Canadian fans can take a special interest in watching a number of homegrown heroes in action throughout the group stage. Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich), Jonathan David (LOSC Lille) and the Besiktas duo of Cyle Larin and Atiba Hutchinson are regulars for their clubs, though Davies will be out this week. Calgary-born defender Fikayo Tomori is a starter for AC Milan in Italy, and if Club Brugge can advance past the group stage, then Tajon Buchanan will be another player to keep an eye on.

How to watch the UEFA Champions League

The 2021-22 UEFA Champions League will be carried exclusively by DAZN in Canada:

• Dates: 29 matchdays from Sept. 2021-May 2022
• TV Channels: —
• Streaming (English): DAZN

The Champions League is available exclusively, live and on-demand, on DAZN in Canada. 

Champions League schedule: Group stage, Matchday 6

Home teams listed first

Tuesday, Dec. 7 (Matchday 6)

Wednesday, Dec. 8 (Matchday 6)

UEFA Champions League 2021-2022: Tournament Format

The 2021-2022 edition of the UEFA Champions League returns with a familiar format and one major new twist.

As usual, the tournament starts out with a group stage (eight groups of four teams each), and only the top two finishers in each group advance to the Round of 16 that kicks off in February 2022. Two-leg, aggregate-goal knockout rounds are played the rest of the way through to the single game final that will be held on May 28, 2022 in Russia.

• Group Stage: Sept. 14-15, Sept. 28-29, Oct. 19-20, Nov. 2-3, Nov. 23-24, Dec. 7-8
• Round of 16: Feb. 15-16, March 8-9 / Feb. 22-23, March 15-16
• Quarterfinals: April 5-6, April 12-13
• Semifinals: April 26-27, May 3-4
• Final: May 28, 2022 (St. Petersburg, Russia)

No away goals tiebreaker

Here's a twist: For the first time since 1965, there will be no away goals tiebreaker used in the knockout rounds of UEFA competitions, including the Champions League. It was abolished in June 2021.

Series that are tied on aggregate goals after the conclusion of the second leg will go straight to extra time and, if necessary, a penalty-kick shootout.

UEFA Champions League clubs by country

Champions League in Canada: How to watch on DAZN

After DAZN's acquisition of exclusive Champions League rights in Canada. European soccer fans can sign up for DAZN on monthly or yearly plans. Every Champions League match will be made available for DAZN subscribers, both live and on demand.

What is DAZN?

DAZN is a global sports streaming service that offers exclusive coverage of every Premier League, UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League match in Canada, both live and on demand.

Soccer fans in Canada also can enjoy streaming of several other leagues on DAZN, including MLS, EFL Championship, EFL League One and women's soccer. A subscription also includes the NFL as DAZN positions itself as the "home of football" in Canada.

How much does it cost to sign up for DAZN?

DAZN subscriptions cost either $20 CAD per month or $150 CAD per year thereafter, depending on the plan you select.

What devices are supported by DAZN?

DAZN has apps available for all of the following platforms: Apple TV, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire Stick, Amazon Fire Tablet, Android Phone & Tablet, iPhone & iPad, Android TV, LG, Smart TV, Panasonic Smart TV, Samsung Smart TV, Sony Smart TV, SmartCast, Xbox One, Xbox One S, Xbox One X, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4 Pro, and Roku.

Here is a full list of the devices where DAZN is available, in addition to web browsers on DAZN.com: