The Champions League will undergo a strategic change from next season: in knockout matches, the highest-ranked club in the league phase will receive the return leg. This change, reported by fmeetsdata, directly concerns Paris Saint-Germain, always ambitious on the European stage.
“Rule changes for the LDC pro season:
For each knockout match between two clubs, the higher-ranked team in the group stage will receive the return match.”
This rule change could have a major impact on Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League strategy. From now on, performance in the league phase will serve not only to qualify, but also to secure a significant advantage in the knockout rounds: hosting the often decisive second leg in front of their home fans.
For PSG, this means that each group match will take on added importance, as finishing ahead of their direct rivals will offer an additional advantage for the rest of the competition. The big clubs will therefore have to manage their squad and their motivation differently, systematically aiming to take points even if they have already qualified, in order to maximize their chances of going far.
This rule could also increase the intensity of league matches and alter clubs’ tactical preparation.
