Valencia CF v Real Madrid CF - La Liga EA Sports - Source: Getty
Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois believes the new UEFA Champions League (UCL) format resembles the controversial European Super League proposal championed by the club’s president, Florentino Perez.
The revamped Champions League format, introduced in the 2024-2025 season, presents a “Swiss model” league stage, replacing the traditional group stage. This change saw 36 teams competing in a single league table, with each team playing eight matches against varied opponents, based on seeding.
Critics have drawn parallels between this approach and the objectives of the controversial Super League project. The Super League, which proposed a closed competition featuring Europe’s top clubs, was widely condemned for prioritizing commercial interests over sporting merit.
