The group stage was played in 6 rounds from August to October 2009.
Tie-breaking criteria
The tie breaking procedures follow the same rules as the 2008–09 Champions League. If two teams are tied on points, the following tie-breaking criteria shall be applied, in order, to determine the ranking of teams:[1]
Greater number of points earned in matches between the teams concerned
Greater goal difference in matches between the teams concerned
Greater number of goals scored away from home in matches between the teams concerned
Reapply first three criteria if two or more teams are still tied
Greater goal difference in all group matches
Greater number of goals scored in group matches
Greater number of goals scored away in all group matches