Whisper it, but the new Champions League format has been excellent, writes LEWIS STEELE, with 16 of the 18 final group matches having something riding on them as the big boys falter
Whisper it, but the new Champions League format has been excellent, writes LEWIS STEELE, with 16 of the 18 final group matches having something riding on them as the big boys falter
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As football fans, we are programmed to hate change. More games? No thanks. Scrapping FA Cup replays? How dare they. Introducing the Europa Conference League? Absolutely not… hold on, unless your team can win a long-awaited trophy… then it’s excellent, actually.
![[Man City must win their final group game against Club Brugge or face tournament elimination]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/28/21/94612079-14335287-image-a-79_1738098236191.jpg)
Because of this mindset, UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin – he’s the guy with a skinhead trim you always recognise at the draws but never remember where you know him from – was met with ridicule when he announced the new-look Champions League format.
![[Real Madrid are looking to secure a place in the top-eight, which guarantees a last-16 position]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/28/21/94612337-14335287-image-a-81_1738098528209.jpg)
But whisper it quietly, going into matchday eight, the new regime is going down a treat. Or to use UEFA’s own words headlining an article on their official website, it has ‘hit the mark’. Of the 18 matches all kicking off at once on Wednesday, 16 have something riding on it, 27 of 36 teams still have uncertain futures. What is not to like?.
![[Aston Villa have claimed statement wins in the competition this season but need a result against Scottish giants Celtic on Wednesday to give themselves a chance of a top-eight finish]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/28/21/94612379-14335287-image-a-84_1738098576918.jpg)
Many questions remain unsolved: if Manchester City win, they are through – draw or lose and they are out. Can Aston Villa get into the top eight or will they have to settle for a play-off spot? Will Liverpool make mass changes or try to top the table? Where will Arsenal and Celtic finish?.
Aside from the British teams, there are plenty of engaging stories, too: Paris Saint-Germain, despite playing City off the park last week, could still crash out if they lose to Stuttgart who, in turn, would climb into the play-offs. There was scepticism about the new Champions League format when it was introduced.
