The Champions League Returns: A Marathon 144 Fixtures Before the Elimination Rounds
BIGGER CUP IS BACK, BABY!
Following experiencing one season of the Bigger Cup with its revised system 36-strong league table, in which all clubs competes in eight games versus varied opponents, views are split regarding if Uefa’s updated setup is better, worse or largely identical to the older group stage. Instead of the old 96 matches needed to reduce 32 clubs to 16, the new system demands a staggering 144 fixtures to remove only 12 teams from the 36-club competition. A top-heavy league in all but name, Uefa is fully conscious that its flagship club competition is currently an increasingly cumbersome, bloated affair that places unreasonable pressure on overworked footballers, yet seems unconcerned. When it allows high-profile clashes like Manchester City vs Real Madrid for the 11th time in six seasons, and revenue keeps rolling in, then who is Uefa to concern itself with coaching frustrations or exhaustion issues?
On the surface, there are several marquee matchups between bona fide European heavyweights scheduled across the fixture rounds, and many of them likely to be exciting audiences. However, the near-total absence of jeopardy for elite teams like PSG, Bayern Munich, Real and Atlético Madrid, multiple English clubs and other favorites—that will probably need no more than 11 points from their matches—means that the league stage may feel a little “meh”. Among the 36 clubs that competed last season, the only surprise entrant for the next round was gritty Brest, with their valiant effort ended in a comprehensive defeat to the ultimate champions.
Arsenal will be the first English side to feature when they meet Athletic Club in one of the early kick-offs. While the first-ever fixture between these historic teams should be a special occasion, the near-certainty that both will advance implies that the result could be less critical. After all, previously, an dominant Liverpool lost only three points in the group stage only to be eliminated in the next round, beaten by a PSG side that progressed to win the tournament despite multiple of their initial matches. Nevertheless, broadcast deals are set, the games must be played, and we know that by February, the competition will largely be great. Currently, there are 144 matches to get through to distinguish the top teams from the smaller opponents.
LIVE COVERAGE
Join for minute-by-minute updates of Athletic Club vs Arsenal, as well as Spurs' meeting with Villarreal, and live score coverage for other of the evening’s fixtures in the primary tournaments.
TOP STATEMENT
“Despite numerous opportunities he has received, I think it is exceptionally courageous [to stay]. Everyone says to him, ‘try this or try that’ and I think he is faithful to his beliefs. He believes in what we are doing here and understands the grass is not always greener. Another manager went to Besiktas and he’s not there anymore. He has done a hell of a job and the loyalty he has to the team, to the people and the project is extraordinary … the simpler choice would be to go for the money and move to another club” – A representative commending coach Kjetil Knutsen’s devotion to the Norwegian club, which he has led to the elite competition from being based in a remote Arctic location.
FAN LETTERS
“Chris Wilder has the ideal opportunity to surpass the new Forest boss and promise trophies in his latest tenure” – One supporter.
“Lovely story yesterday regarding the Thuram brothers and their father. A far cry from the last time I faced against my sibling: he executed a dangerous challenge that left me injured long-term, and the referee (our father) failed to caution him. Happy days!” – A second fan.
“Regarding the news about Manchester City dismissing a staff member for wearing a opposing shirt. I recall a similar incident from my youth: a steward previously told us before a match, ‘I hope you guys win, I don’t like the other team.’ Even now makes me laugh” – Today’s winner letter.
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Check out a cartoon on a club’s search for a successful manager, featuring elements to mythology and modern fan traditions.
