“The advantage of the home field is now a reward for a group.”, – WRITE: Football.ua
The advantage of the home field is now a reward for a group.
LHP, Getty Images July 08 2025, 20:51
UEFA has approved an updated Playoff format in Euro Cups, reports Diario As. The draw will no longer determine which team will play the match at home. This will be solved solely on the basis of the place that the club has taken at the group stage.
This rule must come into force on the season 2025/26 and will not only affect the Champions League, but also the Europa League, the League of Conferences and the Women’s Champions League.
In a new format, the club that finished above at the group stage will have the right to play the match at home. For example, if the rule of last season, the arsenal, not Real Madrid, would take the 1/4 finals match, because the Gunners took the above place in the table.
A match at home is a serious tactical advantage that can be crucial.