Carlo Ancelotti criticises new Champions League format

Carlo Ancelotti criticized the new Champions League format, which replaced the group stage with a single league table and increased the number of pre-knockout games from six to eight.

While acknowledging the increased demand hasn't harmed Real Madrid specifically, Ancelotti expressed his belief that elite football needs fewer matches, not more. The new format means only the top eight teams from the league phase are guaranteed a place in the knockout rounds, with the next 16 teams, including Madrid, having to play in a two-legged play-off.

To reach the final, Madrid will have to play four more games than last season. Ancelotti is unconcerned about potentially facing Manchester City in the knockout round, emphasizing that to win, teams must beat the best regardless.