The new Champions League mode should bring more openness. This has been achieved in parts, but problematic constellations remain – one concerns VfB Stuttgart.
The new mode should bring more excitement to the early tournament phase of the Champions League. In the old group phase there were last match days on which there were, in theory, games that could be arranged or games in which some teams no longer had anything at stake.
Before the last matchday of the new league phase, it became clear that these problems had not been solved.
Stuttgart vs Paris: A draw is enough for both
The most problematic constellation is the game between VfB Stuttgart and Paris Saint-Germain. Stuttgart is in 24th place, Paris is in 22nd place. The teams from 25th place onwards are eliminated.
The table before the last matchday shows: A draw is enough for both teams to advance – unless Dinamo Zagreb wins by seven goals against AC Milan. Other teams in this table area should take a close look at what Stuttgart and Paris show on the pitch.
The Champions League table after matchday 7
Nine teams are already safely out
“Every game counts” was UEFA’s motto when introducing the new format. But nine teams have already been safely eliminated, and for them there is nothing left on the last day of the match.
They sometimes play against each other on the last match day. But some are playing against teams for whom everything is still on the line – which can be an advantage for these clubs over the competition.