UEFA Champions League and Europa League Drama Builds as Final Matchdays Approach
As the Champions League and Europa League reform faces criticism for intensifying an already congested football calendar, the stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the league phase next week.
After seven rounds of intense competition, only two teams—Liverpool and Barcelona—have secured their spots in the last 16 of the Champions League, while Lazio stands as the sole club to advance in the Europa League.
The Champions League has left 25 of its 36 teams still vying for their fate, including heavyweights Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Manchester City. The latter finds itself in a precarious position, currently in the elimination zone ahead of a crucial home match against Club Brugge on Wednesday.
Critics of the new format had raised concerns that it would provide an easier path to the knockout stages for the elite clubs. However, the early exits of prominent teams like Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain have challenged this narrative. The revamped structure allows the top eight teams to qualify directly for the last 16, while the remaining eight spots will be filled through playoffs, adding an extra layer of suspense.
Former France international Thierry Henry expressed his frustrations last September, stating, “Too many games, too many games.” In contrast, David Ginola, a former Tottenham Hotspur star and current pundit for Canal Plus, praised the format after PSG’s dramatic 4-2 victory over Manchester City, highlighting the excitement it brings to the competition.
The new draw system, which allows clubs to face opponents from their own pot, has led to early clashes between top teams. Arne Slot, Liverpool’s manager, noted the challenges faced by clubs like PSG, who have had a tough schedule that does not reflect their true quality, resulting in a lower position on the table.
The previous format, which featured four teams in each group with the top two advancing, often led to predictable outcomes and meaningless matches on the final day.
This season, however, only two encounters—Sturm Graz vs. RB Leipzig and Young Boys vs. Red Star Belgrade—will have no bearing on progression in the Champions League.
Similarly, in the Europa League, Dynamo Kyiv vs. Rigas FS and Slavia Prague vs. Malmo will be the only dead rubbers on Thursday.
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