<P> Introduced in 1992 , the competition replaced the European Champion Clubs ' Cup , or simply European Cup , which had run since 1955 , adding a group stage to the competition and allowing multiple entrants from certain countries . The pre-1992 competition was initially a straight knockout tournament open only to the champion club of each country . During the 1990s , the format was expanded , incorporating a round - robin group stage to include clubs that finished runner - up of some nations ' top - level league . While most of Europe 's national leagues can still only enter their national league champion , Europe 's strongest national leagues now provide up to five teams for the competition . Clubs that finish next - in - line in each nation 's top level league , having not qualified for the UEFA Champions League competition , are eligible for the next - level UEFA Europa League competition . </P>
<P> Introduced in 1992 , the competition replaced the European Champion Clubs ' Cup , or simply European Cup , which had run since 1955 , adding a group stage to the competition and allowing multiple entrants from certain countries . The pre-1992 competition was initially a straight knockout tournament open only to the champion club of each country . During the 1990s , the format was expanded , incorporating a round - robin group stage to include clubs that finished runner - up of some nations ' top - level league . While most of Europe 's national leagues can still only enter their national league champion , Europe 's strongest national leagues now provide up to five teams for the competition . Clubs that finish next - in - line in each nation 's top level league , having not qualified for the UEFA Champions League competition , are eligible for the next - level UEFA Europa League competition . </P>
uefa champions league how many teams from each country
uefa champions league how many teams from each country
five
five