Back in June, UEFA announced the abolishment of their away goals rule across all competitions, including the Champions League and the Europa League.
The rule change was, of course, not applicable to the group phase, but tonight, with the knockout stages upon us, it now comes into play.
So, why have UEFA done this? Let’s take a look…
UEFA scrap the away goal rule
You may be wondering why UEFA have decided to make this decision, seeing as the away goals rule has been in place for many years now.
Well, after a ‘broad consultation process across football’ – as UEFA’s official website put it – the away goals rule is gone.
Speaking about the decision, UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin said: “The away goals rule has been an intrinsic part of UEFA competitions since it was introduced in 1965.
“However, the question of its abolition has been debated at various UEFA meetings over the last few years. Although there was no unanimity of views, many coaches, fans and other football stakeholders have questioned its fairness and have expressed a preference for the rule to be abolished.”
Evidently, there has not been one specific incident which has triggered this change, but more the case of a football-wide consultation.
Famous away goal moments
Had the away goal rule never been a thing, Manchester United and Tottenham fans – to name a few – would’ve been robbed of some priceless moments.
Back in 2019, the Red Devils battled back from 2-0 down to win the second leg of their last 16 tie against Paris Saint-Germain by a 3-1 scoreline, leading to a 3-3 draw after full-time.
However, because Manchester United scored three goals in Paris, whilst PSG only scored twice at Old Trafford, the Premier League side progressed.
In Tottenham’s case, the north Londoners would’ve been robbed of one of their most special moments had UEFA made this decision sooner.
Again in 2019, Spurs fought back from a 1-0 first leg defeat to draw 3-3 in Amsterdam, thanks to Lucas Moura’s hat-trick in the Netherlands.
Now, after the away goals rule was abolished, both of these games would’ve gone to extra-time and penalties, as usual.
Let’s see how this rule change pans out for UEFA…
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
