The new Champions League format has been a breath of fresh airIt’s a dreary December evening ahead of the final Champions League group-stage match of the season. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENTIt’s ironic that critics of the new format point to ‘meaningless’ games throughout the league phase, when in reality that was only the case for the group stage. Going from six group stage matches to eight in the league phase was and is an oversight. Just look at the Conference League for example, where they have six league phase matches and it works just as well. And in the modern-day game, an extra two matches to the schedule is certainly a punishment you want to avoid.

Source: Express January 29, 2026 12:15 UTC