Play-In Round

Today saw the first leg in 5 of the 10 play-in match ups for the Champion's League. The new format is a little different than in previous years with an additional qualifying round (the point the tournament is at currently) and some reconfiguring to in theory give clubs from smaller countries more of a chance. Whereas in the past all teams that didn't qualify directly were "thrown into the hat" and drew an opponent at random, from now on clubs that win their domestic league's title will be paired up with champions from other countries. Obviously the title holders from the big nations have earned direct entry to the group stage so this results in pairings of little known teams that have won leagues mostly in Eastern Europe. It also means that some heavyweights will be drawn together and one of them will miss out on the big dance. Arsenal-Celtic is one example. Under the previous system Celtic may have played Sheriff Tiraspol instead and more than likely stomped them. But now, after a 2-0 loss at home, they look likely to be in the inaugural Europa League instead of with the big boys.

Is this good or bad? I am not really sure. All in all I think I am okay with it for two reasons. 1, everyone loves a Cinderella story and this will give more teams a chance to fill that role. 2, I have always liked the idea that these kind of tournaments be for champions and runners-up. Ensuring that at least 5 champions that did not qualify directly are also included in the group stage is a good idea.

But the truth is that the gap between the haves and have nots is so big (and likely to remain that way) that what this system does is water down the competition in the group stages. The third and fourth best teams in Spain, France, and England are light years ahead of the best teams in Macedonia, Israel, and Lithuania.

Take a look at today's results. Arsenal, Stuttgart, and Olympiacos all got 2-0 wins on the road. Fiorentina are going home from Lisbon with a useful 2-2 draw. It is a tiny sample size, yes, but today illustrates the difference between the Europe's elite teams and it's good ones.

Tomorrow's Lyon-Anderlecht game could be interesting although I think the French will win at home. I also think Atletico will win away in Greece.