UEFA explains tie-breaker rules for new Champions League phase
UEFA has provided detailed information on how the rankings will be determined in the new 36-team league phase of the Champions League, particularly when teams end up with the same number of points.
In a comprehensive release on Thursday titled “Champions League League Phase Standings: How Teams Level on Points Are Separated,” UEFA outlined the criteria for determining which clubs qualify, face play-offs, or are eliminated.
This season marks a significant departure from the traditional group stage, with a move to a league format where each team plays eight matches, all ranked in a single table.
The top eight teams will secure a place in the Round of 16, while those ranked 9th to 24th will compete in play-offs. Teams ranked 25th to 36th will be eliminated from the competition.
In the event of teams finishing with the same number of points, UEFA provided a detailed breakdown of tie-breaker criteria, including goal difference, goals scored, away wins, and disciplinary records.
Even if all else fails, an alphabetical ranking based on abbreviated team names will determine their fate.
As football fans prepare for the excitement of the league phase, UEFA’s guidelines ensure transparency and clarity in the pursuit of European glory.
Nigerianwatch has reported that UCL match day three is set for October 22 and 23, 2024.
In a previous analysis of match day two, PUNCH Online revealed the standings of each team.
The release explained that in the new league phase of the UEFA Champions League, all 36 competing clubs are ranked together, with the top eight qualifying for the round of 16, the next 16 for the knockout phase play-offs, and the remaining 12 being eliminated.
If teams are level on points between Matchday 1 and Matchday 7, they will be separated using specific criteria according to Article 18 of the competition regulations, including goal difference, goals scored, away goals scored, wins, and away wins.
If teams are still equal after applying these criteria, they will be given equal ranking in the table, ordered alphabetically based on their abbreviated name.
Furthermore, if two or more teams are equal on points at the end of the league phase matches, specific criteria are applied in a particular order to determine their rankings, as per Article 18 of the competition regulations. These include goal difference, goals scored, away goals scored, wins, away wins, points obtained collectively by opponents, collective goal difference of opponents, goals scored collectively by opponents, and disciplinary points total.
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