Previously, UEFA held random draws to determine which teams would host the second leg of the quarterfinals and semifinals.

Playing the second leg at home is considered an advantage, even without the away goals rule. After the first leg, teams know the result they need in the second leg to advance. The home team has the advantage of playing in front of their fans and having more time to prepare.

PSG players celebrate a goal against Arsenal in the champions league semi-final second leg at Parc des Princes, Paris, France, on 7/5/2025. Photo: Reuters

PSG players celebrate a goal against Arsenal in the champions league semi-final second leg at Parc des Princes, Paris, France, on 7/5/2025. Photo: Reuters

The previous rule caused controversy as higher-ranked teams in the group stage didn't have a significant advantage. For example, Barca and Arsenal finished second and third in their respective groups last season, but in the quarterfinals, they had to play the second leg away against Dortmund and Real Madrid, respectively. Meanwhile, Dortmund and Real were not among the top 8 teams in the group stage.

Under the new UEFA rules for the champions league, Europa league, conference league, and women's champions league, the top 4 teams in the group stage are guaranteed to host the second leg of the round of 16 and quarterfinals. Only the top two group stage finishers are guaranteed to play the second leg of the semifinals at home.

Another significant change is that lower-ranked teams that eliminate a top-4 team inherit the home advantage for the subsequent rounds. For instance, if PSG eliminated group winner Liverpool in the round of 16 last season, they would gain Liverpool's home advantage up to the semifinals.

Also, under the new rules, only the teams ranked 1st, 2nd, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th, 23rd, and 24th in the group stage can play the second leg of the semifinals at home. The remaining teams will not have this possibility.

The new rule will intensify competition for the top two spots in the group stage to maximize the advantage.

Other regulations remain unchanged. The top 8 teams in the group stage will automatically qualify for the round of 16. Teams ranked 9th to 24th will compete in playoffs for a spot in the round of 16.

Twenty-nine teams have already qualified for the 2025-2026 champions league group stage, with 7 more spots to be determined through qualifying rounds. England made history with six representatives in the group stage: Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Man City, Newcastle, and Tottenham.

The group stage will take place from 16/9/2025 to 28/1/2026.

Hoang An (ESPN)