Champions League is getting more and more fierce

This is the second time that the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) has applied the Swiss chess-like "league phase" to replace the traditional group stage. 36 teams are in one group, each team plays 8 matches with 8 different opponents (4 home, 4 away).

Brainstorming series

If last season many teams were confused with the new formula, this year, the clubs are very aware that each point can decide the fate of the whole season. In fact, last season proved the fierceness of the game, many "big guys" almost got eliminated right from the beginning while some names with little hope suddenly broke through to go deep.

Champions League ngày càng khốc liệt - Ảnh 1. — Liverpool and other English teams are highly rated in the Champions League. Photo: UEFA

There is no longer the concept of an "easy group stage" for the seeded teams. Instead, there is a series of nerve-wracking matches right from the starting line. The draw for each club's journey once again created a heated atmosphere.

Fans will have the opportunity to witness matches with a strong "knock-out" character. Real Madrid will face Man City, Juventus and Liverpool - a series of "tough" opponents that will force Xabi Alonso and his team to exert their strength early. Barcelona will also not have an easy time when facing PSG, Chelsea, Frankfurt, while Bayern Munich will meet Arsenal, Chelsea and PSG... The matches that usually only take place in the quarter-finals or semi-finals, will now appear from September.

No more "lifebuoy"

The way the tickets are calculated also makes the race hotter than ever. The top eight teams in the "league phase" will go straight to the round of 16, while the teams ranked 9th to 24th will have to enter a risky two-legged play-off. The group ranked 25th and below will be eliminated directly, without the "lifeline" of falling into the Europa League as before. This means that just one misstep is enough to put famous clubs in a dangerous situation.

After the first trial season, UEFA can be satisfied with the new format bringing more high-profile matches earlier, increasing the appeal of television and audiences. However, for the teams, the pressure on each round has become a heavy burden. The Champions League is already harsh, now it is even more fierce when there is no room for complacency and clubs are forced to prove their ability to adapt. Caution, squad depth and stability will become vital factors for the teams.

Liverpool is "hung" with the highest championship odds of 11/2 (bet 2 win 11). Following Liverpool are Barcelona and PSG with odds of 6/1. Real Madrid is only rated equal to the team that has never won the Champions League, Arsenal (both 7/1) while Man City is only "candidate number 6" with odds of 8/1, above candidates Bayern Munich (11/1), Chelsea (12/1), Napoli (25/1), Inter Milan (28/1), Tottenham (18/1)...