New Champions League 24-25

[Unnamed Trialist]

Very odd taking a look at the full table a day after it started, resembling the MLS Supporters Shield table. 

I don't think this model is sustainable. There aren't enough quality teams and we're already seeing worse play, blowouts, weaker match ups. The schedule is totally unbalanced. A poor way to respond to the threat of a Superleague. 

[masster]

I'm not sure I agree. The 4 extra spots in the league phase ended up going to Dortmund, Bologna, Benfica and Shakhtar. 75% of those are regular Champions League participants anyways.

The biggest blowout yesterday was Bayern over Dinamo Zagreb. The same 2 teams met in the 2015 group stage with Bayern winning 5-0.

Blowouts have been increasing in the Champions League over the last 10-15 years, but that has more to do with the economic disparity in European football, and not the format of the tournament.

Yes, the schedules are unbalanced, but it wasn't really fair when one team got the group of death and another received a cakewalk group.

I'm not saying this new system is better...it is just different.

[RJB]

I really like this format.  It's a refreshing change, and provides more interesting games.  Weak teams get to play other weak teams (See Celtic), and strong teams are also forced to play each other.  It also provides lots to play for, with the top 8 getting a bye, and qualification possible from spot 24.

Having seen it in FM 24, its a really effective format.  Not much to see in the first few games, but the table gets real interesting come halfway or so.