Instead than using traditional group rounds, UEFA implemented a novel 36-team Champions League phase.
Instead of being split up into several groups, all participating clubs were rated collectively under this new arrangement.
In order to guarantee their places in the competition’s round of 16, the top eight teams from this phase automatically proceeded to the knockout stage.
In the meantime, play-offs were held between the remaining 16 teams to decide who would advance to the next round.
The current rules ensure that the top eight teams will host their home fields for the second leg of their final 16 matchups.
This benefit does not, however, carry over into the quarterfinals or semifinals, where the placements of matches are usually determined more by overall seedings and draw outcomes.
This has generated a lot of discussion, especially in relation to individual matches. For example, even though Real Madrid ended 11th in the same phase, Arsenal, who finished third in the league, will have to play the second leg of their last 16 match against Real Madrid at the storied Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.
Both fans and pundits have criticized this disparity, raising concerns about the present structure’s fairness.
According to recent Daily Mail stories, UEFA’s decision-makers are taking these worries more seriously and are thinking about making changes for the upcoming season.
Within the organization, there is a growing belief that clubs that do well in the league phase may not be sufficiently rewarded by the present regulations, which only grant home advantage for the final 16 games.
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