Photo via BBC Sport

No jeopardy but loads of fun - Champions League sets new goals record

UEFA’s revamped Champions League format for 2024–25 has delivered a surge in goals, with the league phase now featuring 36 teams playing eight one-off matches instead of the traditional six-group fixtures. The top eight advance directly to the knockout rounds, while sides ranked ninth to 24th face a two-legged playoff, leaving only the bottom eight eliminated after just eight games.

Critics argue this structure reduces early-season tension, as teams like PSG and Barcelona can afford draws without jeopardizing their chances. Yet, the shift has undeniably boosted entertainment, with more attacking football on display—though some question whether the lack of pressure early on truly enhances overall quality.

The format’s expansion from the original 1992 single-group stage, which replaced earlier iterations including a brief two-stage experiment, reflects UEFA’s push for broader competition, even as debates persist over its long-term impact on drama and stakes.

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