The Champions League format is obviously flawed despite its final-day drama - here is a sure-fire way to improve it, writes LEWIS STEELE
If Real Madrid equalised, Pep Guardiola’s side would be demoted from the promised land of the top eight. For the mighty Real Madrid, who with 15 titles are European kings, the play-off was an epic punishment. And whisper it quietly, where but the so-called Swiss format of Champions League do we see such all-or-nothing events that can change the entire league table? After all, the final day of the old format was pretty dull save for a couple of ties. Benfica’s prize for beating Real Madrid was a play-off against… well, potentially Real Madrid again.
Source: Daily Mail January 30, 2026 13:51 UTC
