The 2024/2025 season will forever enter into the history of European football. European cups were first played in a new formula. A well -known group stage was replaced by the league phase. Instead of four -team groups, we had a collective table in which 36 teams were classified. The number of matches has also increased. Each team – instead of six matches in the fall – played eight matches. The first phase of the Champions League lasted not until December, and until January.
In Catalonia they speak directly. UEFA made a mistake
The reform had its opponents and supporters, but almost everyone noticed – emotions, the number of matches at the stake increased. Every goal scored. However, not everyone is enthusiasts of the new format.
In Catalonia, where they mourn the semi -final fall of FC Barcelona, they analyzed the reform. They are not completely satisfied with it. “Is it fair that they will fight for the title?” – asks a journalist of the Catalan daily “Sport” Alex Calaff, mentioning this year's finalists: Inter and PSG.
He draws attention to the fact that PSG, which played the poor league phase – took only 15th place – it could play with Brest. Already in the first phase of the play-off phase with games, Manchester City had to say goodbye to it, falling off with Real Madrid.
In his opinion, the journalist cites another problem. In the 1/8 final of the PSG eliminated Liverpool – the best group phase team. Calaff is also surprised why FC Barcelona in the 1/4 final and 1/2 final had to play her rematch matches away, since she took second place in the league phase. Arsenal came across the same problem – in the quarter -finals and semi -final the rematch played on a delegation, and was the third team of the league phase.
“Football is a sport, discipline. As in all areas of life, there is a place for accident, but usually on the pitch is governed by talent, sacrifice and work. This league of masters does not reflect. They are in the final, “comments Calaff.
In his opinion, UEFA made a mistake in the format of the game, which does not promote teams from the highest places in the league phase. “The error that UEFA has already confessed to, announcing that she plans to modify the format for the next season. One of the changes will be to ensure that the best eight in the league phase will always have a reward in the form of playing a second match at home. Will something change if Barça or Arsenal played at Montjuic or Emirates in the second semi -final match? – the journalist ends his text.