The Athletic FC Podcast Champions League preview: Who can topple PSG?
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Sep 16, 2025 Football reporters Jack Pitt-Brooke, Tom Williams, and Tomás Hill López-Menchero discuss the thrilling return of the Champions League. They delve into PSG's evolution into a formidable squad and the challenges they may face from rival teams. The conversation navigates through the recent changes in the tournament's structure and the balance of power among clubs. Additionally, they highlight emerging teams like Union Saint-Gillois and the rise of Bodo Glimt, providing insights into the unpredictability and excitement of the upcoming matches.
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New Format Dilutes Match Jeopardy
- The new 36-team league phase diluted match-by-match jeopardy compared with the old four-team groups.
- Many fixtures felt like exhibitions because big clubs could survive poor starts and still progress.
Jeopardy Rose Then Receded
- Perceived jeopardy rose mid-season but ultimately many big clubs still reached the knockouts.
- The format created moments of excitement but not consistently more tournament unpredictability.
Format Acts As A Soft Landing
- PSG's title showed the format can act as a buffer for big clubs that start poorly.
- The league phase allowed PSG to recover from a bad start and still win the whole competition.