Champions League is the showcase of Europe’s elite clubs, a competition where fans around the world can immerse themselves in drama and unpredictability, while also celebrating pure footballing brilliance. Originally launched in 1992, the tournament has evolved alongside the growing forces of globalisation and commercialisation to become one of the most lucrative media sport commodities worldwide.
For the first time in 21 years, the format of Europe’s top club competition will change this season. The group stage will now be based on a table, with the teams finishing top of their groups qualifying for the last 16, while those that finish ninth to 24th enter a two-legged knockout play-off for the final qualification spot.
In order to add more sporting incentive and ensure a smoother flow between the league phase and the knockout rounds, the draw for the round of 16 onwards will now be partly determined by the team’s ranking from the league table. With no country protection, this will help to improve the synergy between the competition’s different phases and create more interesting ties for fans.
If a tie is still tied after the two matches have been played, the away goals rule is applied. This means that the club that scored more away goals over the two legs will progress. If this is also equal, extra time is played and the same rule applies at the end of that. The same is true for the quarter-finals and semifinals.