Champions League

How to play UEFA Champions League Fantasy Football – a beginner’s guide


The group stage of the 2020/21 UEFA Champions League (UCL) campaign gets underway just after the October international break – and the official Fantasy game for the competition is live.

Unlimited transfers are allowed before play starts, so you can begin tinkering with your teams now.

The free-to-play game comes with the usual array of prizes, from UEFA Champions League final tickets to the new Playstation 5.

SIGN UP TO PLAY UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FANTASY HERE

We’ll be bringing you more content on this game than ever before, with position-by-position guides over the next fortnight and regular articles to follow when the action commences.

Liverpool, Chelsea and the two Manchester clubs are among the 32 teams involved in this year’s tournament, with the six group stage matchdays all taking place before Christmas and the knockout rounds starting next February.

In this introductory piece, we’ll talk you through the basics of the game.

BRIEF RULES

To summarise the game in one sentence: UCL Fantasy managers get €100m to spend on a squad of 15 players, who earn points based on their on-field performances in the Champions League.

Anyone who has played Fantasy Premier League will have no trouble in picking the game up, as many of the rules are exactly the same or very similar:

  • An initial budget of €100m (which rises to €105m from the last 16 onwards)
  • Pick a squad of 15 players
  • No more than three players from each club (that threshold rises once the knockout stages begin)
  • Select a starting XI in a valid formation for every ‘matchday’ (the UCL equivalent of a ‘Gameweek’, which incorporates both the Tuesday and Wednesday fixtures)
  • Select a captain who earns double points
  • Make free transfers between matchdays

Those are the fundamentals but there are one or two quirks of the game that require a bit of explaining, which we will cover below.

SUBSTITUTIONS

If you prefer the hands-off approach to Fantasy management, auto-subs occur if any of your starting XI fail to feature and there is a playing substitute on your bench – providing that player doesn’t break the formation rules (a minimum of three defenders, two midfielders and one forward).

Where UCL Fantasy differs is that it also gives managers the chance to make manual substitutions instead.

After all matches on a single day (eg Tuesday) have finished and before the next matches within that matchday kick off (eg Wednesday), UCL Fantasy managers can:

  • Replace a maximum of four players (unless they have been sent off), with any of their substitutes whose teams are yet to play within the matchday.
  • Change their captain to another player from their squad whose team is yet to play. The original captain’s double points will be lost and the new captain’s score for that matchday will be doubled.

As an example, say you have selected Mason Greenwood (€7.5m) for Manchester United’s matchday 1 clash with Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday 20 October.

If the United midfielder fails to feature or returns a middling score of, say, two points, you can then replace him with one of your substitutes who is in action on Wednesday 21 October.

TRANSFERS

As we mentioned earlier, free transfers are allowed between matchdays.

Like in Fantasy Premier League, UCL Fantasy managers can roll a maximum of one free transfer – although only in the group stage.

For every transaction you make beyond your quota of free transfers, you’ll take a hit of four points.

The below table details how many moves are allowed at each stage of the competition:

PhaseNumber of free transfers
Before the group stage beginsUnlimited
Matchday 1–62 per matchday
Between Matchday 6 and round of 16 1st legUnlimited
Before round of 16 2nd leg3
Before quarter-final 1st leg5
Before quarter-final 2nd leg3
Before semi-final 1st leg5
Before semi-final 2nd leg3
Before final5

CHIPS

There are two chips available to UCL Fantasy managers: Wildcard and Limitless.

These chips can be used only once per season and, once played, can’t be cancelled.

Wildcard

As in FPL, the Wildcard gives you the chance to change your squad as much as you like. When you play it you can make free unlimited transfers and any players you transfer in will stay in your squad once that matchday has finished.

Limitless

Limitless is the equivalent of FPL’s Free Hit chip and gives managers the chance to change their squad for one matchday only.

Once the matchday has finished, your squad will return to how it was before you played the Limitless chip.

Rather excitingly, there are no budget restrictions when activating Limitless – so, should you wish, you can pack your squad with the most expensive assets in the game.

SCORING SYSTEM

Again, the scoring system is a very familiar one.

Most of the player actions and the points on offer tally with FPL, although there are one or two notable differences.

A goal scored from outside the box gets an additional point, for example, while the acts of winning and conceding a penalty are rewarded and punished respectively.

Players also gain points through ball recoveries, which gives the more defensive-minded players a chance to rack up a tidy score.

Over half of Virgil van Dijk‘s (€6.0m) 2019/20 points total in UCL Fantasy was made up by recoveries, for example.

ActionPoints
All players
Appearance1
Playing at least 60 minutes (includes points mentioned above)2
Goals scored from outside the box (in addition to points for scoring)1
Assist3
Every three balls recovered1
Winning a penalty2
Conceding a penalty-1
Missing a penalty-2
Yellow card-1
Red card (includes yellow card deduction)-3
Scoring an own goal-2
Goalkeepers
Scoring a goal6
Saving a penalty5
Keeping a clean sheet (must play at least 60 minutes)4
For every three saves1
For every two goals conceded-1
Defenders
Scoring a goal6
Keeping a clean sheet (must play at least 60 minutes)4
For every two goals conceded-1
Midfielders
Scoring a goal5
Keeping a clean sheet (must play at least 60 minutes)1
Forwards
Scoring a goal4

JOIN OUR MINI-LEAGUE AND WIN PRIZES

There are two types of league in UCL Fantasy: Private and Global.

Private leagues

Private leagues give you the chance to battle for bragging rights among your friends, family and colleagues.

To create a league, go to ‘Leagues’ and select ‘Create a league’. Then invite others to join by sharing the league code.

You can also reactivate your leagues from previous seasons in the ‘Leagues’ section.

We have set up our own mini-league, the details of which are below.

We will be giving away prizes in the form of Premium Memberships, the first batch of which will be dished out to our top five after the group stage has ended – and there will be more to follow when the knockout rounds get underway.


JOIN THE FANTASY FOOTBALL SCOUT MINI-LEAGUE HERE

Select ‘Leagues’, ‘Join a League’ and enter the following code: 65KAB8EHX307

Prize breakdown:

  • 1st = free yearly Premium Membership
  • 2nd-5th = free monthly Premium Membership

Global leagues

Your team will be automatically included in the following leagues:

  • The overall leaderboard with all other players around the world
  • A league with other players from your country
  • A league with other players who support the same Champions League team as you

MAIN GAME PRIZES

In the main UCL Fantasy game, prizes are awarded after every matchday, after the group stage, after the knockout stages and after the final.

Tickets for the UEFA Champions League final and a Playstation 5 console are up for grabs, with a full breakdown available in the ‘Prizes’ tab on the game’s website.


390 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Colesy34
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    15 quid per game. ha ha. premier league. premier business plan. the rich get richer. the poor go bust 🙁

    People will pay aswell as there is nothing else to do in lock down.

    The Premier League should be supporting the grass toots clubs with all their cash...

    1. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Plenty of cheap alternatives to watch the channels... just saying..

      The PL are practically begging for TV piracy to have a massive upturn. Why the F should we pay more so rubbish players like Ozil and Cavani can earn a few 100k more per week while the quality of the product stays the same at best

    2. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Considering in some countries like mine you can watch all premier league matches for less than 2 quid a month I find this decision extremely bonkers.

      1. noquarternt
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        As an Englishman living in Australia, god bless Optus Sport

    3. The Mandalorian
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Man UTD complaining they can't afford Oles transfers but happy to charge 15quid a game. POS club.

      1. Brehmeren
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Flawed business logic there, mate.

  2. Colesy34
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Season Ticker holders should get a code to watch their games for free

  3. Danstoke82
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    TAA + Jimenez > Chilwell + Kane
    (Already own Son)

    Yay or Nay?

    1. Zrinkec
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Not for hit.

    2. Pukkipartyy
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Ye

    3. The Mandalorian
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Not for a hit

  4. DwarfKing
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Ryan
    Justin, Doherty, Dallas
    Salah, Zaha, Son, Rodríguez
    Mitrovic, Kane, DCL

    Bench: Walker Peters, Lascelles, Ward-prowse.

    Anyone to change for a hit? I still have WC.

    1. Zrinkec
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      No need for WC, even hit avoidable for now. Would look to make defense stronger, prolly would sell Doherty after week for somebody like Chilwell, Castagne, Semedo. Maybe Mitrovic also in few weeks if he dont perform.

      1. DwarfKing
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Thanks ^ I'm most worried about the bench. I was thinking Doherty to Robertson at one point.

    2. Can’t beat em so&hell…
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      It’s fine but Doch too much cash and Aurier had a blinder. At best rotated I’d say

  5. Romford Pele - Don't w…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Who to start?

    a) Saïss (lee)
    b) Mitchell (BHA)

    1. Zrinkec
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A

  6. Atwood
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Is fplstatistics.co.uk the best for price changes? If not, where is?

    1. OverTinker
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      none at the moment

      1. Brehmeren
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Looks to be much more precise early in the season than previous years. Especially considered the influx of early wildcards due to crazy results.

  7. Bow Locks
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Your country.
    ?£ per month to watch every game.

    1. Bow Locks
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Canada
      12

    2. Ole.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      England
      £380 est.

    3. AuFeld
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      No idea. Is there any info for the US?

      1. Seanigula
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        No, but $5/month for NBC’s Peacock plus what they have on NBC (free), NBCSN (basic cable)and Telemundo (free)will get you 90%

    4. DOCLES
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Australia, free with my $35/month phone bill!

    5. The Mandalorian
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      UK £15 rising to £150 by the end of the season

      1. camarozz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Ireland sky package including sky sports and BT - 80€ pm. And be be sure the game ya wanna see will be on some other channel ya don't have.

    6. Phil's Stamps
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Korea
      15

    7. Pommie22
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      £12.76 New Zealand

    8. noquarternt
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I get every game free because my phone plan is on Optus Sport.

      Australia.

    9. Soto Ayam
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Indonesia
      £4 per month
      Mola tv

    10. Brehmeren
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Denmark 40 quid.
      I'm using an american streaming site for ALL sports though, which is 5 quid.

  8. Wally711
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    A)Justin, Podence, Neto, Davis
    or
    B) Taylor, Stephens, Bissouma, Maupay

    1. Wally711
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      anyone?

    2. Sterling Malory
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Needs more context.

      Although, Stephens and Bissouma 4th/5th mid is a no from me.

  9. Danstoke82
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Trent...
    A) Keep
    B) Sell for Chilwell

    ?

    1. Wally711
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A

    2. Can’t beat em so&hell…
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Only if you’re desperate for cash

    3. Pukkipartyy
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      B

  10. Long ago I drew a walrus
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Marcus Rashford, MBE.

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Arise!

      1. Steve The Spud
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Ha, outta nowhere

      2. Miguel Sanchez
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Not yet

    2. The Mandalorian
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Not many people his age take on the prime minister, took alot of balls to speak up.

  11. ChickenTikkaMoSalah
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Werner+H.Barnes to DCL+Son?

    1. Can’t beat em so&hell…
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Yup

      1. FortunesAlwaysHiding
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        For sure

  12. Pointless
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Will Telles go straight into the Man Utd team? I’m considering him on my Wildcard.

    1. AuFeld
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Good chance imo

    2. Can’t beat em so&hell…
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I would, wouldn’t you? If I were OGS that is...

      1. FortunesAlwaysHiding
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Everyone seems pretty fed up with Shaw, so may well replace him. Telles may struggle if they play 4-4-2. Alternatively, they played with three at the back last season with Shaw on the left of a three. He had his better games there.

    3. noquarternt
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Why would you want a Man U defender? He’ll still have 2 of Maguire/Lindeloeff/Bailly next to him?

    4. skodaole2
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Telles scores goals a couple of years back if I am not mistaken because he was on pens and took some direct free kicks. Doubt he ll have any of those in MUN so limited attacking points. As for defensive points, I think you know the expectations you can have.

      1. skodaole2
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        scored*

  13. Klip Klopp
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Thoughts on changes to make?

    I’m happy to take a -4 if needs be

    McCarthy
    KWP / TAA / Taylor
    Salah / B.Fernandes / KDB / Klich / Soucek
    Ings / DCL

    Bench: Nyland, Justin, Mitchell, Davis

    A. Klich + TAA —> James Rodriguez + Digne
    B. Klich + TAA —> Son + 5.4
    C. Any other suggestions?

    1. Can’t beat em so&hell…
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      B I’d say... I wouldn’t want to not have Kane or son at the mo

  14. Miguel Sanchez
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Play one of James or Justin or sign Chilwell for a it:

    A) James (SOT)
    B) Justin (AVL)
    C) Chilwell (SOT) -4

    1. Emiliano Sala
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      C. Catch 0.1

    2. Sloane426
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      B

  15. FantasyHero
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Jimmy & Trossard
    Or
    Maupay & Zaha

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      J&T

  16. xHaTr
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Thoughts? Anguissa, Foden, Werner --> Brewster, Grealish, Son (-4)

    1. FFSbet.com
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Yes,all 3 are upgrades

  17. tbhogal
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Hi Guys, who is the best replacement for Reece James?

    A) Chilwell
    B] Mings
    C) Catsagne
    D) Cresswell

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A

      1. FortunesAlwaysHiding
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        In the immediate, possibly A.

    2. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A

    3. FantasyHero
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Easy C

  18. Lignja
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    This is my team after i done Auba to Son on ft (3.4m itb)

    McCarthy (Nyland)
    Taa, Justin, Mitchell (Vinagre, Strujik)
    Salah, Son, Kdb, Podence, (Stephens)
    Jimenez, Wilson, Mitorvic

    A. Podence to Pulisic -4
    B. Wc in this team

    McCarthy
    CHILWELL, SAISS, Justin (KONSA, Mithcell)
    Salah, Son, Kdb, RODRIGUEZ, PULISIC
    DCL, Wilson (BREWSTER)

    1. FortunesAlwaysHiding
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Leave it as it is. Dont do a -4 for Pulisic but wait a week.

  19. FortunesAlwaysHiding
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    What to make of Ferren Torres guys. I have him in my draft league side but wondering if it's worth me getting rid.

    1. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Get rid.

  20. It’s gonna Ben Mee
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Any news on PVA? Tempted on getting him in on my WC.

    1. FortunesAlwaysHiding
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Back in training. In my draft leagur side for what it'd worth. Great prospect if he's pushed further up and on penalties.

      1. It’s gonna Ben Mee
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Yeah I think he can turn into a points machine in this Palace side

    2. The Mandalorian
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I'd wait until he hits form he's been out a while

  21. The Mandalorian
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Brought Son in for a hit due to the rise and he's still not gone up in price. Must be alot of WCs being played to influence price changes.

  22. Powers106
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    According to BBC "Wales forward Gareth Bale, 31, is set to make the first appearance of his second spell at Tottenham against West Ham next weekend." so what do you think, at 9.5 is he really worth more than Son? I see he is flagged at only 50% chance to play by the FPL game...wonder who is right, probably just a cameo?

    1. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      He is not worth more than Son.

      But he could make for a really intriguing double up if he hits the ground running.

      1. Bielsa's Blue Bucket
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Like Cavani, he's played no football worth chatting about. I'd rather back him to win the Masters next month than put him in my team

      2. noquarternt
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        This. Son is outstanding, but a double up wouldn’t be ridiculous if he finds his feet.

    2. skodaole2
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I expect Vinicius to play before Bale, I think Mou will give him a few mins at some point but don’t think he is worth considering for FPL yet.

  23. Slitherene
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    A) Taylor (wba)
    B) Coady (lee)
    C) Justin (AVL)

    Select ONE to bench??

    1. FPL Theorist
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      B, he'll never get an attacking return for Wolves the way Nuno uses him. At least C has decent threat, while A should have a good CS chance because it's WBA.

    2. skodaole2
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      C you can’t bench, between A and B I d bench A if you don’t have any other Wolves or Leeds player just to have some points to wait for in the last game

    3. FantasyHero
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A

  24. Camzy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    I'm intrigued by Gareth Bale. He's supposedly fit for West Ham. The run of fixtures is good, he's a mega differential.

    In FanTeam especially, he's 9.0m. Amazing value if he starts and we all know how great he is.

    1. Bielsa's Blue Bucket
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Fit lol. When's the last time he played 90 minutes?

    2. noquarternt
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I’m considering getting him in the near future, but won’t risk it until I’ve seen him play a game.

  25. tbhogal
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Chilwell has an illness! Hope he will be ok for next weekend

    1. FPL Bond @ Twitter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Another worry ..

  26. The White Pele
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    is Son price protected until deadline?

    1. Seanigula
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Nobody knows...FFS sent someone to Stonehenge to ask the druids

      1. The White Pele
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        great news.

    2. FPL Theorist
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      I doubt it. This site suggests that he should be price protected for 8 days after the removal of his flag, so by Monday night he could rise.

      https://www.fiso.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=128052

  27. Seanigula
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Columbia vs Venezuela underway, JRod starting

    1. Stupendous
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Colombia

      1. Seanigula
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Whut? 🙂

        1. FPL Theorist
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          #unitethedistrict

    2. Seanigula
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      Firmino starts for Brazil. Rich. on the bench

  28. Mind över Mata
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    WC defence, 8.9m to spend:

    Martínez, Steer
    Robbo, Saiss, KWP, XXX, XXX

    A) Lamptey and Mitchell
    B) 4.5 and 4.4?

    1. Hits from the Bong
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      A

  29. Hits from the Bong
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Who to play?

    A. Soucek
    B. Podence

    1. Mind över Mata
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 5 months ago

      B

  30. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 5 months ago

    Colombia 3-0 just after HT.

    1. Party time
        3 years, 5 months ago

        Time to give James Bond a rest

        1. Seanigula
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 5 months ago

          He’s still on at 62’ and they’ve made 3 subs

          1. Seanigula
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 5 months ago

            off at 74’...Firmino scores for Brazil

            1. Party time
                3 years, 5 months ago

                Lol... thank goodness, they subbed him off