Deciding Champions League playoffs: what happens if there’s a tie after the second leg?

The UEFA Champions League is the pinnacle of European club soccer, where the continent’s top teams clash in high-stakes, two-legged knockout games following the group stage (this year a whole new thing). And given that change in format, we now have playoffs to conclude before the round of 16.

But what happens when, after 180 minutes of action, the aggregate score is still tied? The answer has evolved in recent years, adding a new layer of drama to the competition.

But before we dig in to that, let’s first take a look at the current situation of the UCL playoffs after the first legs:

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 Critics had long argued that the rule was outdated and unfairly favored teams playing away from home.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.

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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