For the first time in UEFA Champions League history, Round of 16 play-off ties took place this midweek, marking a major shift in the competition’s format.

The prestigious tournament underwent a significant revamp ahead of the 2024/25 season, expanding from 32 to 36 teams and introducing a fresh structure that has transformed the dynamics of European football.

A Revolutionary Change to the Format

The biggest overhaul came with the replacement of the traditional group stage with a single league phase. Each club is now guaranteed a minimum of eight league-stage matches against eight different opponents—four home and four away—compared to the previous six matches against just three teams in a home-and-away setup.

The top eight teams from this league phase automatically advance to the knockout rounds. Meanwhile, those finishing in ninth to 24th place enter a thrilling two-legged play-off, fighting for a spot in the last 16.

A More Competitive Champions League?

Ope Adebari, a sports analyst, reporter, and producer with News Central, believes the new format has intensified the competition.

“This system gives underdog teams like Lille and Aston Villa a genuine shot at competing and potentially winning the most prestigious club football tournament in Europe.

“This season, we’ve seen dominant teams from past years, like Manchester City, Real Madrid, Bayern, and Dortmund, struggle against rising clubs such as Brest, Feyenoord, and Club Brugge. It has been a thrilling and unpredictable season that fans have truly enjoyed.”

Manchester City vs. Real Madrid: A Playoff Thriller

One of the standout fixtures of the play-off round saw Manchester City take on Real Madrid in what could have easily been a semi-final or final in previous seasons.

Erling Haaland’s brace seemed to give City the upper hand, despite a scrappy Kylian Mbappe volley. However, in a dramatic late twist, Brahim Diaz and Jude Bellingham struck in the dying minutes, turning the tie on its head.

Do the Playoffs Make Sense?

According to Adebari, the play-off system is a necessary adjustment under the new format.

“The playoffs provide a lifeline for traditional powerhouses who fail to secure a top-half finish in the league phase.”

However, he also noted a downside: “Midweek Champions League matches no longer feel as special. Sometimes, fans even forget when games are happening.”

Will Fans Adapt to the New Format?

Despite initial confusion, Adebari is optimistic that the new format will gain acceptance over time.

“This season was a learning curve for all teams. Next season, clubs will be better prepared and more determined to finish in the top half from the start of the tournament.”

Who Will Join the Last 16?

With Arsenal, Aston Villa, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Inter Milan, Bayer Leverkusen, Lille, and Liverpool already through, Adebari predicts that the remaining last-16 spots will be taken by:

• Paris Saint-Germain (PSG)
• Borussia Dortmund
• Juventus
• Real Madrid
• Atalanta
• Bayern Munich
• Benfica
• AC Milan

Conclusion

The 2024/25 UEFA Champions League has delivered unprecedented excitement, unpredictability, and intense competition. As clubs and fans adapt to the changes, one thing is certain—European football’s biggest stage has never been more thrilling!