Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has voiced his strong disapproval of the revamped Champions League format, which has increased the number of pre-knockout matches and added a new play-off round before the last 16.
UEFA’s new league phase format, introduced for the 2024/25 season, has completely replaced the traditional group stage system, adding two extra fixtures for every team. This has left Ancelotti frustrated, with the Italian manager arguing that elite football already has too many matches and does not need additional games.
“Too many matches,” Ancelotti bluntly stated when asked for his thoughts on the new Champions League structure after Real Madrid’s final league phase match.
🔍 How Has the Champions League Format Changed?
Under the previous format, the top two teams in each group (out of eight groups of four) would automatically qualify for the last 16.
Now, the new system operates as a single league table featuring 36 teams. Here’s how it works:
✅ Top 8 teams in the standings qualify directly for the Round of 16
✅ Teams ranked 9th-24th must play an additional two-legged play-off to reach the last 16
✅ Teams finishing 25th or lower are eliminated from European competition
For Real Madrid, this new system means more matches and a tougher path to the final.
⚽ Ancelotti’s Concerns: “We Need Fewer Matches, Not More”
Ancelotti didn’t hold back in his criticism, stating that the increased demand is a problem not just for Madrid but for all teams in the competition.
“There have been too many matches, but for everyone,” he explained. “Football needs fewer games, not more.”
This season, Real Madrid finished 11th in the league phase standings, meaning they must compete in a two-legged knockout play-off just to reach the Round of 16.
If Los Blancos want to win the Champions League this season, they will have to play 17 matches—four more than they did in their 2023/24 campaign, when they reached the final after just 13 games.
📌 More Games, More Fatigue?
The extra workload comes at a time when top European clubs are already dealing with fixture congestion. The situation is set to get even worse, as Madrid must also participate in:
⚽ The expanded FIFA Club World Cup (32 teams) in July
🏆 The Intercontinental Cup in December
📊 UEFA previously reduced the number of Champions League games in 2003 by eliminating the second group stage. However, 21 years later, they have once again added more matches to the tournament.
🏆 Tough Draw for Real Madrid: Could They Face Man City Next?
Due to their 11th-place finish, Madrid are not guaranteed an easy opponent in the play-off round. They could face reigning champions Manchester City, making their path even more difficult.
Despite this, Ancelotti remained unfazed about the potential challenge.
“There will be a draw, and whatever comes, comes,” he said. “If you want to win the Champions League, you have to beat the biggest teams anyway.”
Madrid fans will now be eagerly awaiting the play-off draw, as the pressure intensifies on Ancelotti’s side to navigate this new and more demanding Champions League format.
📊 Key Takeaways
✅ Real Madrid finished 11th in the league phase, meaning they must play a knockout play-off round
✅ The new format adds two extra games before the knockout stage
✅ Winning the Champions League now requires playing up to 17 matches instead of 13
✅ Ancelotti strongly disapproves, stating that football needs fewer games, not more
✅ Madrid could face Manchester City in the play-offs, making their path even tougher
🌍 What’s Next for Real Madrid?
Madrid will soon learn their play-off opponents, with the draw set to take place this week. Ancelotti’s squad will then prepare for what could be one of the most challenging Champions League campaigns in the club’s history.
Will the extra games hurt Madrid’s chances of lifting the trophy, or will their depth and experience help them adapt to the new format?
🔮 What do you think of the new Champions League system?
Drop your thoughts in the comments below! 👇
