Have You Enjoyed the New Champions League Format?
The Champions League, Europe’s premier club competition, has undergone a significant transformation this year, expanding from 125 to 189 games. This expansion aims to provide more thrilling matches and a broader stage for football’s elite. With the play-off phase concluding on Wednesday, we now have the 16 teams that will advance to the next stage. The draw for the last 16, which will take place on Friday, 21 February, at 11:00 GMT, will determine the matchups and the sides of the draw for the seeded teams. You can follow the draw live on the BBC Sport website and app, and we’ll also have updates from the Europa League (12:00) and Conference League (13:00) draws. The final, a highly anticipated event, is set for Saturday, 31 May, in Munich.
Seeding, Away Goals, and Domestic Rivalries
The new Champions League format includes some interesting rules to ensure a balanced and competitive draw. Teams are seeded in pairs, meaning that Liverpool (1) and Barcelona (2), for example, will be on opposite sides of the draw and can only meet in the final. This rule helps to maintain the excitement and anticipation for the latter stages of the tournament. Additionally, clubs from the same country can now face each other at any point, adding a new layer of intensity to the competition. The away goals rule, which was once a crucial factor in determining the outcome of two-legged ties, has been abolished. UEFA made this decision at the start of the 2021-22 season, stating that away goals "no longer carried more weight" and that the rule was "no longer appropriate."
Potential Matchups for Liverpool
Liverpool, one of the most storied clubs in European football, has a couple of intriguing potential opponents in the last 16. They could face Paris St-Germain, who have been in sensational form, demolishing Brest 10-0 on aggregate after a 7-0 victory in the second leg. Alternatively, Liverpool might draw Benfica, a club with a rich history in the Champions League. Both matchups promise high-quality football and intense competition, making the draw a moment of great anticipation for fans and players alike.
Potential Matchups for Arsenal
Arsenal, another English club with a storied European history, has two possible opponents in the last 16. They could face Feyenoord, who knocked out AC Milan in a thrilling tie, or PSV, who advanced past Juventus in extra time. Feyenoord’s victory over AC Milan is particularly noteworthy, as it marks a significant upset in the competition. PSV’s triumph over Juventus, a club with a strong European pedigree, is equally impressive. Both potential matchups offer a mix of tradition and modern football, ensuring that Arsenal’s fans will be on the edge of their seats come the draw.
Potential Matchups for Aston Villa
Aston Villa, making a return to European competition after a long absence, has two challenging potential opponents in the last 16. They could face Club Brugge, who overcame Atalanta in the play-offs, or Borussia Dortmund, who beat Sporting 3-0 on aggregate after a second-leg 0-0 draw. Club Brugge’s victory over Atalanta is a testament to their resilience and tactical acumen, while Borussia Dortmund’s clean sheet in the second leg against Sporting highlights their defensive solidity. Both teams present a formidable challenge for Aston Villa, and the draw will be a crucial moment for the club’s European aspirations.
Coefficient: England’s Race for an Extra Champions League Spot
The race for an extra Champions League spot next season is heating up, with the coefficient system playing a pivotal role. Two leagues will be rewarded with an additional spot based on their performance in European competitions this season. Currently, the Premier League is leading the charge, with six of its seven teams reaching the last 16 across all three UEFA competitions. Manchester City’s defeat to Real Madrid is the only setback for England, but Spain is still in second place, closing the gap only slightly. Italy, in third, has had a tough February, with AC Milan, Atalanta, and Juventus all exiting in the knockout play-off round, significantly limiting Serie A’s chances of gathering more points. Germany’s prospects are also challenging, with Bayern Munich and Dortmund in the same half of the Champions League draw. France, represented by Paris St-Germain and Lille, has seen Monaco and Brest exit at the play-off stage, leaving Lyon in the Europa League as their only remaining hope. Portugal, with four of its five teams still in the competition, has lost Sporting to Borussia Dortmund but could boost its hopes if Porto edges past Roma in the Europa League play-offs. The upcoming draws and matches will be crucial in determining which league secures the extra spot, adding another layer of excitement to the European football landscape.
Highlights and Coverage
For those who can’t wait to relive the excitement of the Champions League, BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app will have highlights of every game from 22:00 on Wednesday. Additionally, BBC One will air a Champions League Match of the Day from 22:40 to 00:00, providing in-depth analysis and the best moments from the week’s matches. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, these highlights and coverage will ensure you don’t miss a beat of the action. The Champions League continues to captivate audiences with its blend of high-stakes football, historic rivalries, and unexpected upsets, making it a must-watch event for football enthusiasts around the world.
