Key Changes to the Regulations
From next season the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) is radically revising the way home and away fixtures are allocated in knockout ties. The draw that previously determined the order of matches is being consigned to history for the Champions League, Europa League, Conference League and Women's Champions League. From now on the second leg will automatically be hosted by the team that finished above its opponent in the group or overall preliminary stage.
The New Logic of Home Advantage
The idea is obvious: to reward the teams that achieved a higher ranking during the tournament with a tangible bonus—the chance to settle a two-legged encounter on their own ground. The backing of home supporters and a familiar pitch often proves decisive in tight duels, and UEFA aims to make the "first-place bonus" more concrete than the traditional seeding status.
A High-Profile Example From Last Season
The reform can be illustrated by last season’s Champions League quarter-final, where Real Madrid hosted Arsenal at the Santiago Bernabéu for the second leg despite finishing only 11th in the overall standings, while the Gunners were third. Under the new rules the return match would have been played at London’s Emirates Stadium, giving the English side additional leverage.
A "Domino Effect" in Subsequent Rounds
It is also intriguing that a team eliminating a higher-seeded rival automatically assumes its position in the next rounds. Had Real Madrid knocked out Arsenal, it would have been regarded as the third seed from the semi-finals onwards, again increasing its chances of playing the decisive leg at home. Thus every round becomes a battle not only for the immediate result but also for a strategic advantage over the long haul.
Expectations of Clubs and Fans
The innovation promises to inject fresh dynamism into the competition: the giants will strive to secure the maximum edge even in the early stages, while underdogs will gain extra incentive to cause upsets, as a single spectacular victory can tip the balance in their favour all the way to the final. Fans, meanwhile, can look forward to even more matches whose outcome will be decided amid the electrifying atmosphere of home stadia.
