UEFA has provided a clear explanation of how standings will be determined in the new 36-team league phase of the Champions League, especially in cases where teams finish with the same number of points. In a detailed release titled “Champions League League Phase Standings: How Teams Level on Points Are Separated,” UEFA outlined the criteria that will decide which clubs advance, face play-offs, or are eliminated.
This season introduces a major shift, replacing the traditional group stage with a single league format. Each team will play eight matches, and all 36 teams will be ranked together in one table. The top eight teams will automatically qualify for the Round of 16, while the teams finishing between 9th and 24th will compete in play-offs for a spot in the knockout rounds. Meanwhile, the teams ranked 25th to 36th will be eliminated from the competition.
In cases where teams end up with the same number of points, UEFA’s tie-breaker criteria will come into play. These include factors like superior goal difference, goals scored, away wins, and disciplinary records. If teams remain level after applying these criteria, an alphabetical ranking based on abbreviated team names will be used to separate them.
By laying out these rules, UEFA aims to ensure transparency and fairness as football fans look forward to the drama and excitement of this new league format in the quest for European glory.
