Champions League subs rule: how many substitutions can teams make in knock-out stages of UEFA tournament?

Like last season, substitutions could be crucial for each side in the Champions League as they look to avoid any serious injuries and fatigue so early on in the campaign.

Especially as the World Cup took place in the middle of the domestic season and Champions League competition, the use of substitions feels even more important.

This week sees the return of the UEFA Champions League action with the last 16 second leg fixtures taking place including Chelsea vs Dortmund. However, the biggest news regarding the UCL is that UEFA will refund Liverpool fans for tickets after the Champions Leauge final chaos.

All 19,618 Reds fans who bought seats via the club can claim to be refunded after the chaos that marred the match in the French capital. This news comes after a report found UEFA bears “primary responsibility” for the catastrophic organisation and safety failures which took place at the final, turning the match into a horrific and traumatic experience.

This news will also come as great comfort for the Reds who will be anxiously awaiting the away leg in their Champions League last 16 against Real Madrid next week.

As the teams prepare for what is set to be another drama filled week, here is all you need to know about substitutions in the Champions League...

How many substitutions can teams make in the Champions League this season?

As a result of the pandemic, teams were allowed to make six substitutions during Champions League matches and the rules for the 2021/22 campaign are similar - with that rule now being made permanent.

Teams during the group stages are allowed to make five changes per game. However, if they make it through to the knockouts, they can make five inside 90 minutes and then an extra sixth sub if the tie goes to extra-time.

To look at the rules in more detail, the Uefa rulebook states: "Each team may use a maximum of three stoppages in play to make substitutions (one additional stoppage in extra-time can be used).

"Substitutions made before the start of the match, during half-time, between the end of normal playing time and extra time, and at half-time during extra time do not reduce the number of stoppages in play that can be used.”

When is next Champions League round?

This week and next week will show the Champions League second leg of the round of 16 fixtures:

This weeks fixtures:

(All times are BST)

Tuesday 7 March:

• Chelsea vs Dortmund, 8pm (0-1)
• Benfica vs Club Brugge, 8pm (2-0)

Wednesday 8 March:

• Bayern Munich vs PSG, 8pm (1-0)
• Tottenham vs Milan, 8pm (0-1)

Tuesday 14 March:

• Porto vs Inter Milan, 8pm (0-1)
• Manchester City vs RB Leipzig (1-1)

Wednesday 15 March:

• Napoli vs Eintracht Frankfurt, 8pm (2-0)
• Real Madrid vs Liverpool, 8pm (5-2)

How to watch on TV

All Champions League matches will be broadacst live on BT Sport, with subscribers also being able to tune in on the BT Sport website and app.

A BT Sport monthly pass will set you back £25 a month, or you can pay £11.98 for a Now TV day membership.