Champions League: Why the away goals rule was scrapped

 

Champions League: Why the away goals rule was scrapped

UEFA removed the away goals rule from its competitions in June 2021, following recommendations from the Club Competitions and Women’s Football Committees. The rule, introduced in 1965, was meant to encourage attacking play but had become controversial.

 UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin highlighted its flaws, noting it discouraged home teams, particularly in first legs, from playing offensively due to the risk of conceding an away goal that gave opponents a significant advantage. The rule’s impact had shifted over time, with home wins declining from 61% in the mid-1970s to 47% in the 2020-21 season, and average home goals per match dropping from 2.01 to 1.58, according to UEFA’s data.

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Critics also pointed out its unfairness in extra time, where home teams needed two goals to overcome an away team’s single score. As a result, UEFA decided to abolish the rule, meaning knockout ties that end level after both legs now proceed to extra time and, if necessary, penalties. In the league phase, away goals remain a factor for ranking teams tied on points. The change has sparked debate among fans, coaches, and players, with many welcoming the shift to a fairer system, while others miss the drama of iconic away-goals moments, like Iniesta’s last-gasp strike for Barcelona against Chelsea in 2009 or Moura’s hat-trick for Tottenham against Ajax in 2019. 

The decision reflects UEFA’s aim to modernize competitions and ensure competitive balance, but it has altered the strategic dynamics of European football’s biggest stages. Fans continue to discuss whether this change enhances fairness or diminishes the unique thrill of the old rule. What’s your take on this bold move?