Champions league round of sixteen new rules
For the 2021-22 UEFA Champions League Round of 16, there are some new rules and changes to the format. Here are the key updates:
- Away Goals Rule Repealed: The away goals rule, which was used to determine the winner in two-legged ties if the aggregate score was level, has been abolished. Instead, the tie will go to extra time and then penalties if necessary.
- Extra Time in Two-Legged Ties: If the aggregate score is level after the two legs, the tie will go to extra time (two 15-minute periods). If the score is still level after extra time, the tie will be decided by a penalty shootout.
- No More Away Goals Advantage: In the past, teams that won the first leg of a two-legged tie away from home had an "away goals advantage" if the aggregate score was level. This advantage has been abolished, and the tie will be decided by the team that scores the most goals in the second leg.
- Changes to the Draw: The draw for the Round of 16 will now be conducted in a different way. The teams that finish first and second in each group will be seeded, and the teams that finish third and fourth will be unseeded. The seeded teams will be drawn against the unseeded teams, with the seeded team playing the second leg at home.
- Kick-Off Times: The kick-off times for the Round of 16 matches will be 21:00 CET (Central European Time) for the first leg and 20:00 CET for the second leg.
- Video Assistant Referee (VAR): VAR will continue to be used in the Champions League, with the same rules and protocols as in previous seasons.
- Substitutions: The rules regarding substitutions have changed, with teams now allowed to make up to five substitutions per match, including the goalkeeper. This is an increase from the previous limit of three substitutions.
These changes are designed to make the Champions League more competitive and exciting, while also reducing the importance of away goals in two-legged ties.