After its inaugural start last year with the new format. Many, including myself, were very optimistic on whether this new format was ideal and going to work. We are all used to the way it works now as its second year of the league phase has come to an end with an absolute stunner with Benfica scoring with the last kick of the game to qualify for playoffs. Before we can talk about those types of moments that are now happening I must ask, Do we like this new format? I at first was very confused and skeptic. Like many of you I didn’t understand the rhyme or reason to changing the champions league format. Nothing was wrong with it and we would get some pretty cool match-ups.
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I think the main reason they did it was because Messi and Ronaldo left. Those two, regardless of where and when those two played, all eyes would be on them. so with them gone and the bulk of some of the legendary players of the game retiring or going to other leagues that aren’t apart of the champions league maybe it was needed. And now after getting a grasp of how the format works and runs I must say I LOVE IT!
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I love the size of the tournament, I love that more teams are playing each other with only one game on the line so losing that game regardless of standings could be historic for the teams, I love how teams in the same league are not allowed to play each other making the match-ups even more iconic and special and most important. I love Match day 8. Are you kidding me?!18 games all at once is a genius way to just end the league phase with so much on the line still for some teams. whether it be goal differential, a win or go home scenario, or even trying to fight to stay in the top 8 to get a bye in the knockout phase.
Regardless of what part you like most about the new Champions league format I must say it makes watching the Beautiful game all that more exciting. Sometimes the game is making you root for teams you never thought you would root for or ending in a way that makes you jump out of your seat like the Benfica v Madrid game.
