UCL changes style of playing group stage matches
By Sabiu Abdullahi
The UEFA Champions League bids farewell to its traditional group stage, paving the way for a radical Swiss-style format commencing next season.
The tournament will expand its elite field to 36 teams, all converging into a singular league group.
Clubs will face a challenging schedule, engaging in eight matches against eight distinct opponents.
This shift promises to deliver heightened competition and a diverse range of matchups.
The top 8 teams excelling in the league will clinch an automatic berth in the knockout stages, incentivizing stellar performances throughout the group phase.
Teams concluding the group stage from 9th to 24th place will embark on intense play-off battles.
Only 8 triumphant teams from these encounters will earn the coveted spots in the Round of 16.