Changes in the Champions League: UEFA Modifies Rules to Benefit Top Teams
The UEFA has decided to modify the Champions League rules for next season, granting home advantage to the best-ranked teams in the league phase during the knockout rounds. This decision comes after the disappointment suffered by teams like Arsenal and Barcelona in the semi-finals of the current edition.In the 2024-25 season, the first with the format expanded to 36 teams, the clubs that finished in the top eight of the league phase were guaranteed to play the second leg of the round of 16 at home. However, for the quarter-finals and semi-finals, an open draw was held, which diluted the advantage gained in the table.
In this season’s semi-finals, Paris Saint-Germain (15th) and Inter Milan (4th) were drawn to play the second leg at home, despite having finished in a lower position than their respective opponents, Arsenal (3rd) and Barcelona (2nd). Both PSG and Inter managed to advance to the final after winning the second leg.
Starting next season, the order of the matches will be decided according to the ranking of each team, and the best-ranked team will play the second leg at home.
UEFA
This change underscores the importance of finishing as high as possible in the league phase, rather than just being in the top eight. Teams like Liverpool and Barcelona, who finished in first and second position respectively this season, would secure a crucial home advantage in all rounds.
The modification was agreed upon by the UEFA club competitions committee in a meeting prior to Saturday’s Champions League final. Although the regulations for the 2025-26 season have already been published, the modification can still be made if ratified by the Executive Committee. Approval is expected to be confirmed in a virtual meeting no later than August 28, before the league phase draw.
The possibility of the highest-ranked club choosing to play at home or away in the second leg was discussed, but it was decided to opt for the automatic order.
No other changes were made, including the rumors about the elimination of extra time before penalties and the ban on clubs from the same country facing each other in the knockout play-off round.
