The Champions League has been launched in a new format for the 2024-2025 season. This format was long criticized before the competition, but now seems to have convinced many. However, according to Bild, UEFA is considering a further 3 changes.
“The elimination of extra time in the knockout phase (except for the final).
In the event of a tie, the two teams would be decided by penalty kicks.
A further advantage for teams finishing in the Top 8 of the league phase: allow them to play the second leg of their quarter-final and semi-final at home.
Make it impossible for clubs from the same country to meet before the quarter-finals.”
The German media is relatively reliable when it comes to UEFA’s ideas, so it’s safe to assume that they are well underway. Which makes sense in terms of trying to make the competition more attractive, with more intense matches. Not to mention satisfying the clubs, whether you like it or not.
Everyone can have an opinion on the changes mentioned here. The end of extra time would reduce player fatigue. With a period of the match that is not always exciting, even if it does happen.
The advantage for teams in the top 8 can be defended, but it’s also an interesting point less in a draw that’s already become unexciting with a table drawn very early on. The same goes for the country limit, even if we can understand the desire to have clubs from different countries competing against each other.
