WELCOME TO THE NEW FORMAT!
After surviving a full campaign of the Bigger Cup with its “Swiss Model” larger group phase, in which every side plays eight matches against different sides, views are split on whether Uefa’s innovative structure is better, inferior or largely identical to the previous initial phase. Rather than the previous 96 games required to reduce 32 clubs to 16, the current format now requires a massive 144 fixtures to eliminate just 12 teams from the 36-team lineup. A $uper €eague in all but name, Uefa is fully conscious that its premier tournament is currently an increasingly cumbersome, bloated affair that places unreasonable pressure on overworked footballers, but seems unconcerned. When it allows blockbuster matches like Manchester City vs Real Madrid for the 11th time in six seasons, and revenue continues to flow, so why would Uefa worry with coaching concerns or exhaustion issues?
On the surface, there are some standout fixtures between bona fide European heavyweights scheduled across the fixture rounds, and quite a few of them expected to be thrilling audiences. Yet, the near-total lack of jeopardy for elite teams like PSG, Bayern Munich, Real and Atlético Madrid, multiple English clubs and other favorites—that will probably need just 11 points from their matches—means that the league stage may seem somewhat anticlimactic. Of the 36 teams which participated last season, the sole shock qualifier for the next round was plucky Brest, with their valiant run ended in a heavy loss to the ultimate champions.
The Gunners will be the initial English team in action when they face Athletic Club in among the first matches. While the first-ever fixture between these two storied clubs should be a memorable event, the high probability that both will advance implies that the result may be less critical. After all, last season, an almost imperious Liverpool lost only three points in the group stage only to lose in the next round, defeated by a Paris Saint-Germain side that went on to lift the trophy despite multiple of their opening five games. Still, rights have been paid for, matches will go ahead, and we know that by the knockout phase, the action will mostly be great. Currently, there are 144 games to complete to separate the elite clubs from the smaller sides.
MATCH UPDATES
Tune in for live coverage of the Bilbao-Arsenal clash, as well as Tottenham vs Villarreal, and live score updates for the rest of the evening’s fixtures in the major tournaments.
NOTABLE COMMENT
“With all the offers he has received, I think it is exceptionally courageous [to stay]. Everyone says to him, ‘try this or you should do that’ and I think he is faithful to his beliefs. He believes in what we are doing here and knows the grass is not always greener. Ole Gunnar Solskjær joined Besiktas and it didn’t last long. His work has been a tremendous effort and the loyalty he has to the club, staff and the vision is extraordinary … the simpler choice would be to go for the money and move to another club” – An official commending coach his devotion to Bodø/Glimt, which he has guided to the Bigger Cup from hailing from a remote Arctic location.
FAN LETTERS
“The Sheffield United manager has the perfect chance to surpass the Nottingham Forest coach and declare success on his return” – One supporter.
“Great quote recently regarding the Thuram brothers and their dad. Very different from the occasion I faced against my sibling: he executed a dangerous challenge that caused an injury for a month, and the official (our father) didn’t even book him. Happy days!” – Another fan.
“Re: the story about Manchester City firing a staff member for sporting a rival jersey. It reminds me a comparable tale from my younger days: a steward previously told us before a match, ‘I hope you guys win, I don’t like the other team.’ Even now makes me laugh” – The top letter.
RECOMMENDED VIEWING
Here’s a cartoon on a club’s quest for a successful manager, including references to mythology and contemporary fan traditions.
