Champions League semifinals: what happens if there’s a tie after the second leg between Bayern Munich and PSG?

When Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain players step out onto the turf of the Allianz Arena on Wednesday evening, they know exactly what is needed... and what’s at stake. The current holders visit the six-time winners, with PSG holding a one-goal advantage after the incredible 5-4 scoreline of the first leg in the French capital last week.

Arsenal await the winners in the Budapest final of the UEFA Champions League final, and a result must be confirmed today.

But what happens if the scores are level after 90 minutes? The answer has evolved in recent years, adding a new layer of drama to the competition.

What happened to the ‘away goals’ rule?

For decades, the away goals rule was the go-to tiebreaker in the Champions League. If the aggregate score was level after two legs, the team that scored more goals on their opponent’s turf would advance. It was a rule that often led to tense, tactical battles, with teams carefully balancing attack and defense.

But in 2021, UEFA decided to shake things up. Starting with the 2021-2022 season, the away goals rule was abolished. Critics had long argued that the rule was outdated and unfairly favored teams playing away from home. UEFA’s decision aimed to create a fairer, more exciting competition – and it’s done just that.

Extra time and penalties

So, what happens now if the aggregate score is tied after two legs? The answer is simple: we head into extra time. The match extends into two 15-minute halves – an immediate turnaround in between – giving both teams another 30 minutes to break the deadlock. If the score remains level after extra time, the game is decided by a penalty shootout. Pure drama.

The removal of the away goals rule has, to a great extent, changed how teams approach knockout games. Without the safety net of away goals, matches are often more open and attacking, with both sides pushing for a decisive result. The new format ensures that every goal counts equally, regardless of where it’s scored.

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