In a significant update, UEFA It has officially confirmed a big change in the way in which the advantage of Home is determined in the direct elimination phases of its club competitions, starting from the 2025/26 season. The change applies to the file UEFA Champions League, Europa League, League of the Conferenceand the Champions League female.
The upper level teams will host the second stage
Under the new rule, the team with a higher ranking in the League phase (previously known as group stage) will automatically host the second stage of the direct elimination tie. This update marks the end of the random drawing system previously used to decide which team obtains the advantage of the second leg house.
UEFA He believes that this adjustment will bring more equity and strategic meaning to the League phase, encouraging the teams to end as high as possible in the standings.
Last season, real Madridwho arrived 11th in the championship phase, they were still able to host the Champions League Second leg of the quarter -finals against Arsenalwho had ranked third. Under the new rule, Arsenal He would have earned the right to play the second decisive stage at the Emirates stadium. A similar case occurred Barcelona vs. Dortmund Matchup, in which the result of the draw led to controversy over perceived injustice.
The lower level teams can inherit the advantage of the house
Another intriguing aspect of this change is that the advantage of the house can be inherited. If a lower level team defeats a higher opponent, they inherit that sowing in the next round. For example, if real Madrid he had beaten Arsenalthey would have been treated like seed n. 3 In the semifinals and would have obtained the advantage of the second leg again.
Second UEFAThis change aims to increase the importance of games in the initial phase, encouraging the best clubs to take the championship phase more seriously to ensure better sowing. The advantage of the second leg not only offers a competitive advantage, but also increases ticket revenues, the involvement of the fans and the probability of dramatic finishes.
UEFA president Alexander Cheferin He said that the update is part of a larger series of reforms to make European competitions more exciting, competitive and transparent. He stressed that this approach reduces the impact of random fortune and promotes strategic planning during the tournament.
This new format should raise the stakes in every game of the championship phase, making European evenings even more electrifying for fans around the world.
