New Champions League format explained for Man City as Real Madrid and Dortmund end era
manchestereveningnews.co.ukBorussia Dortmund and Real Madrid are set to play their final Champions League match under the current format tonight, as UEFA's controversial "Swiss model" is due to start from the next season.
This change will see the competition expand to include 36 clubs, doing away with the traditional four-team group stage in favour of a longer initial phase.
This means more matches for teams and increased revenue for their clubs such as Manchester City. UEFA claims the revamp aims to reduce the number of inconsequential group stage games, but critics argue it could further diminish the element of risk in the tournament.
It will likely take a few seasons to fully assess the impact of these changes. With the qualifying rounds just five weeks away, here's what we know about the new Champions League format:. ALSO READ: Man City open New York City store after surge in US retail sales ALSO READ: 'Sensational' - How four Champions League finalists came through City academy The new structure will feature 36 clubs instead of the current 32, playing a total of 189 matches, up from 125, during an extended league phase that replaces the group stage, via the Mirror.
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