Famous Ukrainian journalist Andriy Shakhov told what he thinks about the new format of the draw of the renewed main stage of the Champions League, which, as a reminder, will be held today.
"The draw will already today will be held by the computer. I remind you that instead of six matches will be eight (four home and away), each team will play once with two opponents from each basket, but matches between clubs of the same country will be excluded. There will be no groups, there will be a common table.
The top eight teams in the general stage will directly qualify for the 1/8 finals. Those who will occupy places from 9th to 24th, will play a pair of knockout matches for the right to join the eight strongest. Teams ranked 25th and below will finish the season without continuing in the UEFA Europa League.
It seems to me that such a formula inherently adds an element of luck. Let's say that Brugge from the fourth group will play with Slovan and Sturm, while Shakhtar will face Aston Villa and Stuttgart. Some from the second basket will get Brugge and Shakhtar, and some will get Arsenal and Atletico.... In other words, the chances cannot be called equal anymore," Shakhov wrote in the Shah and Shah Telegram channel.