UEFA Champions League Debutants

Jaquob Crooke Updated: 25 Sep 24 15:39

All you need to know about the teams making their competition debut in Europe's elite competition, including history, manager, key players, how they qualified and odds.

For two of the five sides, it will be their first-ever appearance in a UEFA competition, having never previously qualified for Europe.

Here's all you need to know about the teams who will be making their maiden bow in the UEFA Champions League.

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Aston Villa

Aston Villa are not exactly novices when it comes to elite European club competitions, and yet the 1982 European Cup winners will be making their first appearance in the main draw of the UEFA Champions League.

Steering the Midlands outfit to the UEFA Conference League semi-finals last term, the Villans have been on an upward trajectory since the arrival of Unai Emery and the Spaniard has made little secret of his desire to restore the club at the top table both domestically and continentally.

With ambitious owners pouring significant investment into the club's infrastructure, Villa will be eager to prolong their UEFA Champions League stay beyond the current season.

Manager: Unai Emery

Following an ill-fated spell at Arsenal, Emery arrived at Aston Villa with a point to prove in England's top flight and the Basque tactician has demonstrated his credentials as one of Europe's elite managers as he hoisted the club from relegation trouble into the top four of the Premier League.

A Europa League connoisseur with four successes in the competition, Emery enjoyed his best UEFA Champions League performance during his last appearance in the competition as he guided Villarreal to the semi-finals in 2021/22.

Captain: John McGinn

Scotland international John McGinn joined Aston Villa in 2018 when the club were in the Championship and has been an influential figure in their ascent.

The 29-year-old was named club captain ahead of the 2022/23 campaign by Steven Gerrard and has retained the armband under Emery's supervision.

Key Players

Ollie Watkins

In 2023/24, Ollie Watkins delivered his most productive term to date with 19 goals and 13 assists in the Premier League.

The focal point of Villa's attack, Watkins is a selfless worker who is effective on transition and a competent finisher in the penalty area.

Emiliano Martinez

Lionel Messi naturally claimed the headlines for Argentina's 2022 World Cup success but La Albiceleste may never have triumphed were it not for the heroics of Emiliano Martinez.

The Argentine has been a standout shot-stopper in the Premier League and his immense form saw him claim the Yashin Trophy for the best goalkeeper in the world in 2023.

Stadium: Villa Park

Holding a capacity crowd of 42,650, Villa Park will provide a raucous atmosphere and its famous Holte End will take centre stage on European nights.

How did Aston Villa qualify for the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League?

Aston Villa qualified for the UEFA Champions League by finishing fourth in the Premier League.

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Bologna

Bologna were the surprise package in Serie A last term as the Rossoblu secured their highest league finish since 1971.

Success inevitably attracts unwanted attention. Bologna have since lost their highly-sought head coach Thiago Motta to Juventus and a plethora of key players, including Riccardo Calafiori and Joshua Zirkzee.

Despite watching instrumental figures depart, optimism remains rife in Emilia Romagna's capital and Bologna will be looking to spring a few surprises in the UEFA Champions League.

Manager: Vincenzo Italiano

Vincenzo Italiano has taken on the daunting task of succeeding Motta at the Stadio Renato Dall'Ara, though the 46-year-old is well-equipped to steer Bologna to another impressive campaign.

The 46-year-old made headlines in 2020 as he guided Spezia into Serie A for the first time in their history before embarking on a new chapter with Fiorentina, whom he led to consecutive Conference League finals.

Captain: Lewis Ferguson

Making the bold decision to move to Italy in an attempt to enhance his career prospects, Lewis Ferguson has thrived at Bologna.

The Scottish midfielder sustained an ACL injury in April which ruled him out of Euro 2024 but is edging closer to a highly-anticipated return.

Key Players

Riccardo Orsolini

Embarking on his eighth season with Bologna, Riccardo Orsolini has been a consistent source of goals during his stint with the club.

The winger netted double figures for a second successive Serie A campaign last term and is a constant menace from the right flank.

Stefan Posch

An astute defender who embraces a thumping challenge, Stefan Posch's versatility has been a vital asset for Bologna since his switch from TSG Hoffenheim in 2022.

Primarily a right-back who is capable of slotting in at centre-back, Posch ranked second in Serie A last term for dribblers tackled and will relish the challenge of opposing Europe's finest wingers.

Stadium: Stadio Renato Dall'Ara

Located in the Costa Saragozza district, the stunning Stadio Renato Dall'Ara is on the bucket list of every football romantic.

Featuring a majestic tower - The Torre di Maratona - the stadium can accommodate 36,000 spectators.

How did Bologna qualify for the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League?

Finishing fifth in Serie A, Bologna achieved UEFA Champions League qualification courtesy of a European Performance Spot, which are awarded to associations with the best collective performance by clubs in UEFA competitions.

Both Italy and Germany were awarded a European Performance Spot, meaning the top-five clubs in their respective leagues qualified for the UEFA Champions League.

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Brest

Not even the most deluded Brest supporter could have envisioned the club's 2023/24 campaign.

Les Pirates qualified for a European competition for the first time in their history as they recorded their highest-ever finish in the French top flight.

Eric Roy is the man responsible for Brest's remarkable progress. Navigating the club clear of relegation trouble in 2022/23, Watford's former sporting director orchestrated a scintillating campaign in which they lost just seven of their 34 Ligue 1 matches.

Manager: Eric Roy

There was great scepticism surrounding Roy following his appointment in January 2023.

After all, the former Sunderland midfielder had not undertaken a managerial role in over 12 years and even that was a brief tenure in charge of OGC Nice.

Advance 18 months and Roy has already achieved club legend status, overseeing phenomenal progress which has transformed Brest from perennial strugglers into a club dining at the top.

Captain: Brendan Chardonnet

Born 13km west of Brest in Saint-Renan, Brendan Chardonnet is the local boy who's progressed through the ranks, remained at the club for over a decade (with the exception of a loan spell to Epinal) and captained his boyhood team into the UEFA Champions League.

Chardonnet has lived the dream but he's not just captain for sentimental purposes; the 29-year-old was a domineering figure in a Brest side that possessed one of the best defensive records in Ligue 1 last term.

Key Players

Pierre Lees-Melou

Norwich City supporters were briefly acquainted with Pierre Lees-Melou as he spent a season at Carrow Road in the Premier League before making the switch to Brest in 2022.

Commended for his creativity in his attack, Lees-Melou showcased his defensive discipline over large spells of the previous campaign, shouldering the responsibility at both ends of the pitch.

Romain Del Castillo

Romain Del Castillo was one of the most productive wingers in Europe's top five leagues, ranking in the top 2% for key passes, accurate crosses and shot-creating actions last season.

With the ability to score from distance or maraud down the flank and deliver a cross, Del Castillo's unpredictability makes him a dangerous asset for Brest.

Stadium: Stade Francis-Le Blé

Unfortunately, Brest are unable to host UEFA Champions League fixtures at their 15,000 capacity Stade Francis-Le Blé and instead will be playing their home fixtures at Guingamp’s Stade du Roudourou, which is located 70 miles east of the city.

How did Brest qualify for the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League?

Brest finished third in Ligue 1 to secure automatic qualification to the UEFA Champions League.

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Girona

The story of European football last term, little Girona had the gargantuan institutions of Real Madrid and Barcelona trembling as they launched a genuine charge towards a maiden La Liga title.

Girona's quest for glory ultimately petered out but their season remained a phenomenal one as they finished third, achieving the highest league finish in the club's history.

Replicating the success of their previous campaign has been made increasingly difficult with a collection of key individuals departing over the summer, though it would seemingly be unwise to underestimate a manager of Michel's calibre.

Manager: Michel

Earmarked as a promotion specialist after successfully guiding Rayo Vallecano and Huesca into La Liga from the Spanish second division, Michel added another to his CV with Girona in 2022 and the club have been on an upward bearing under his stewardship ever since.

Implementing a bold, front-footed style in which his team are keen to dominate possession, Michel moulded Girona into one of the division's entertainers, with only Real Madrid scoring more than the Catalan club.

Captain: Cristhian Stuani

Now into the twilight of his career, the ageless Cristhian Stuani is dubbed the 'Prince of Girona' as he embarks on his eighth season with the club.

The experienced forward has reached double figures in all competitions in every season with the Blanquivermells, including 14 last term.

Key Players

Yangel Herrera

A beneficiary of the CFG umbrella, Girona received Yangel Herrera from Manchester City in 2023 and the midfielder has been a revelation in northeastern Catalonia.

With immense stamina, Herrera keeps Girona ticking in attack with his abundant energy and his combative nature adds a protective layer to the Girona backline.

Viktor Tsygankov

One of several stars in Girona's ascent last season, the intricate and nimble-footed Viktor Tsygankov will be looking to terrorise defences on the UEFA Champions League stage.

Adept at playing on either flank, the Ukrainian international is not only a menace from open play but also from set-pieces, with Tsygankov considered one of La Liga's most impressive dead-ball specialists.

Stadium: Estadi Montilivi

UEFA granted Girona authorisation to play at the Estadi Montilivi, which has been the club's home since 1970.

The stadium has been gradually expanded through the years and now holds 14,600 spectators, with plans to expand that further in the future.

How did Girona qualify for the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League?

Like Brest, Girona will also be competing in a UEFA competition for the first time and they qualified for the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League by finishing third in La Liga.

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Slovan Bratislava

After winning their sixth successive Slovak Super Liga title in emphatic fashion, Slovan Bratislava are the fourth Slovakian team to reach the main draw of the UEFA Champions League.

Košice, Petržalka and Žilina were the country's previous representatives and of the three, only Petržalka recorded a victory on their appearance, which was a famous 3-2 win away at FC Porto.

Prior to this campaign, Slovan Bratislava endured 11 unsuccessful attempts to come through qualifying for the UEFA Champions League but finally broke the curse with a 4-3 aggregate victory over Danish outfit FC Midtjylland.

Manager: Vladimír Weiss

Of Slovan Bratislava's previous six Slovak Super Liga successes, Vladimír Weiss has been at the helm in the last four and is considered a legend in the Slovakian capital.

Coincidentally, Weiss was the man who oversaw Petržalka's appearance in the 2005/06 UEFA Champions League group stage. He then guided Slovakia to their first major tournament as an independent nation in 2010, which saw him join an exclusive list of individuals to appear at a World Cup as both a player and coach.

Captain: Vladimír Weiss Jr

Third generation Vladimír Weiss came through the ranks at Manchester City's academy and made his first-team debut with the club in 2009 before loan spells at Bolton Wanderers and Rangers.

Embracing a somewhat nomadic career following his Manchester departure, Weiss joined Slovan Bratislava in 2020 and the attacking midfielder has been an instrumental figure in their sustained dominance.

Key Players

Tigran Barseghyan

One of the most productive players in the Slovak Super Liga last term, Tigran Barseghyan has started the current campaign in electrifying form and will be key to Slovan Bratislava's output.

The Armenian international operates from the right flank and has a tendency to cut inside onto his preferred left foot, with his bulky frame making him an awkward figure to dispossess.

David Strelec

After a brief spell in Italy with Spezia, David Strelec returned to Slovan on loan before making the switch permanently in the summer.

The striker featured in all four of Slovakia's Euro 2024 fixtures - including the cruel defeat to England - and was clinical in UEFA Champions League qualifying.

Stadium: Tehelné pole

Also the home of the Slovakian national team, Tehelné pole is a 22,500 capacity stadium that was officially completed in 2019.

If you couldn't get enough, the stadium is a popular choice for touring musicians with the likes of Dua Lipa, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Depeche Mode all performing at the venue.

How did Slovan Bratislava qualify for the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League?

Slovan Bratislava booked their place in the league phase of the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League by progressing through qualifying.

Defeating Struga, Celje and APOEL in the previous rounds, Slovan staged an incredible comeback in the qualifying play-off against FC Midtjylland, scoring in the 82nd and 86th minutes to prevail 4-3 on aggregate.