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Champions League play-off: Confusion over new format as teams battle for last-16 spots


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Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, February 15th 2025 at 1:05 GMT by MSN   Print publication without navigation

  • For the first time in the history of the UEFA Champions League, there were Round of 16 play-off ties this midweek. The competition underwent a big revamp ahead of the 2024/25 season, with the total number of teams increased from 32 to 36.

The article discusses the confusion and complexity surrounding the new format of the UEFA Champions League play-offs, which are set to determine the final teams advancing to the last 16 of the competition. The new system involves a play-off round where teams that finished third in their groups during the group stage now have a chance to qualify for the knockout phase. This change has led to a mix of excitement and bewilderment among fans and teams due to its intricate structure. Teams like Galatasaray, Braga, Lens, and others are involved in these high-stakes matches, with outcomes that could see them either progress to the prestigious knockout rounds or be relegated to the Europa League. The article highlights specific matches, like Galatasaray vs. Manchester United, and discusses the implications of these games, including the potential for dramatic turnarounds and the strategic approaches teams might take in these crucial encounters.

Read the Full MSN Article at:
[ https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/other/champions-league-play-off-confusion-over-new-format-as-teams-battle-for-last-16-spots/ar-AA1z5Np2 ]

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