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Did they killed the format? Or did they do a favor to the competition? The 'face washing' suffered by the Champions Leaguecaused an 'earthquake'. And of course, disparate opinions. A priori, everything suggested that yes, it was perhaps a wrong decision. That the fan would miss the 'all life' format. Of course, like any novelty, it deserved a chance. See what could offer us.
The 'old' Champions League consisted of a first phase in which they participated 32 teams and divided into Eight groups of four. Among them they played round trips. The first two accessed the round of 16. And third parties enjoyed an 'extra life', sneaking into the Europa League.
Declan Rice and Mikel Merino in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League final / TO COMMENT / EFE
Except Hecatombe, the great solved the ballot without complications. For example, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich y Manchester City They always ended as first in the last four editions. Adding at least four victories in six games. An 'idyll' that would be committed to this Champions League 2024/25.
A 'face washing' that went well
The shots have changed. The change of format would not sit well well. 36 teams. Four more. Now, only the first eight classified would directly access the round of 16. Of the 9º 24º They would play it in a previous play-off. A 'new' Champions that rewarded regularity and consistency, as if it were a league competition.
This is the Champions League box in the semifinals / Marc you cross
It ended to play four games at home and another four outside the same rivals, or to have the 'luck' of facing rivals of less entity. Minor rivals as Bayer Leverkusen, Lille o Aston wool They did do their homework during the League and a hole between the eight most regular clubs. Staying with the squares of Real Madrid (11th), Bayern de Munich (12th), Paris Saint-Germain* (15º) and Manchester City (22º).
Barça players celebrate with the fans the pass to the semifinals / Valentine Enrich
A Gray League Phase
The picture of Carlo Ancelotti straightened his way in the last two days, but His group stage was to forget. Five losses, but also three losses, insufficient to opt for top-8. Liverpool, Milan and Lille They were the 'executioners' of a team that would have to play the round of the round of 16.
Madrid, deservedly eliminated from the Champions League / AP
Defeated a depletion Manchester City And he won the right to be among the 16 best teams Europa. And surpassed al Atlético de Madrid in a penalty shootout that will never be forgotten. But nothing could do before a Arsenal Extremely upper, today cataloged at most favorite to the 'orejona' according to the superordenor.
A Champions that does justice
Returning to the premise that this Champions It rewards continuity, the four semifinalists have 'auctioned'. Except for Paris Saint-Germain, They were among the top four in the League phase: Barça (2nd), Arsenal (3rd) and Inter (4º).
The semifinalist league phase
FC Barcelona
- As Monaco (V) 2-1
- Young Boys (L) 5-0
- Bayern Munich (L) 4-1
- Red Star (V) 2-5
- Stade Brestois 29 (L) 3-0
- Borussia Dortmund (V) 2-3
- Benfica (V) 4-5
- Atalanta (L) 2-2
ARSENAL
- Atalanta (V) 0-0
- PSG (L) 2-0
- Shakhtar Donetsk (L) 1-0
- Inter from Milan (V) 1-0
- Sporting Lisboa (V) 1-5
- As Monaco (L) 3-0
- Dinamo Zagreb (L) 3-0
- Girona (v) 1-2
Those of Luis Enrique They did not start well, leaving points before Arsenal, PSV, Atlético and Bayernbut they turned to the tortilla, they finished tenths, they eliminated the Brest in the 'play-off'- and had the' honor 'of charging the leader in the round of 16 Liverpool that only gave in to PSV.
Ousmane Dembelé celebrates his goal against Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League match / PEFOU/ADAP/ADAM
The League phase From Catalans, 'Gunners' and 'Nerazzurri' touched the excellent: 19 points of 24 possible. Six victories, a draw and a single defeat. In fact, the goal difference broke that triple draw in the classification.
Inter from Milan
- Manchester City (V) 0-0
- Red Star (L) 4-0
- Young Boys (V) 0-1
- Arsenal (L) 1-0
- RB Leipzig (L) 1-0
- Bayer Leverkusen (V) 1-0
- Sparta Praga (V) 0-1
- As Monaco (L) 3-0
PSG
- Girona (L) 1-0
- Arsenal (V) 2-0
- PSV (L) 1-1
- Atlético de Madrid (L) 1-2
- Bayern Munich (V) 1-0
- RB Salzburg (V) 0-3
- Manchester City (L) 4-2
- VFB Stuttgart (V) 1-4
The show was assured. And, many years later, continuous work during the weeks passed over pure and hard favoritism. Barça-bond y Psg-Arsenal. One can only remain.
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