PSG and Real Madrid Struggle in New Champions League Format
With the introduction of eight matches in the league phase, up from the six games in the previous group stage format, the Champions League offers more room for error but also more danger. The revamped format, designed to inject new energy into UEFA’s premier competition, now sees major European clubs like Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain facing the risk of early elimination.
Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe looked visibly frustrated after the recent match against Liverpool. UEFA’s flagship competition has undergone a significant transformation for the first time in two decades, aiming to create more excitement and cater to the continent’s biggest clubs with additional games and revenue, especially with the looming threat of a breakaway Super League.
Despite the increased margin for error, the new format also brings higher stakes. PSG, last season’s semi-finalists, have felt the impact of Kylian Mbappe’s departure to Madrid and have faced a challenging schedule. According to sports statisticians Opta, PSG’s fixtures are the toughest, having lost away games to Arsenal and Bayern Munich and a home match against Atletico Madrid, with Manchester City still to come. With only four points from five matches, PSG are 25th, just outside the qualifying spots for the knockout phase play-offs. Coach Luis Enrique emphasized the importance of winning at least two of their remaining three matches to avoid elimination.
On the other hand, reigning champions Real Madrid, who had lost just once in 20 Champions League matches before this season, have also struggled. Their third defeat in five outings came against Liverpool, where Mbappe missed a penalty, leaving them in 24th place, the last qualifying spot for the knockout phase. Despite relatively easier fixtures ahead, including matches against Salzburg and Brest, Real Madrid must win their remaining games to secure progression, as stated by Jude Bellingham.
Liverpool stands as the only team with a perfect record after five matches, already guaranteed a spot in the play-offs. Inter Milan, although in second place with 13 points, still needs to confirm their place, as does Manchester City, who recently drew with Feyenoord after leading by three goals.
Unexpected names like Brest and Dinamo Zagreb have emerged as potential knockout phase contenders. Dinamo Zagreb, traditionally struggling in the Champions League, are currently 23rd, just above Madrid, with an important home game against Celtic next. Celtic, taking advantage of the easiest draw according to Opta, are 20th with eight points and have a favorable outlook, as noted by their manager Brendan Rodgers after a recent draw with Club Brugge.
