there are three preliminary groups every year before the champions league starts, that are played during the summer: in the 1st 28 teams play 2 matches h&a, in the 2nd the 14 teams that won in the previous group challenge other 14 teams, and in the 3rd the remaining 14 teams are put together with other 18 teams; the 16 teams that win the 3rd group are put together with the 8 teams that got the better results in their own leagues, an so it is reached the number of 24, which are divided in 8 groups of 4 teams, that is when the Champion's League really begins.
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2009/10 = 76.
22 Directly into the group stages and a further 54 that can qualify for the last 10 group places through the various preliminary rounds.
The top 4 all qualify for the Champions League, with the fifth team qualifying for the Europa League. The FA Cup winners and League Cup winners also qualify for the Europa league.