UEFA consider Champions League rule change after Arsenal paired with Real Madrid

UEFA are reportedly considering making a major rule change ahead of next season's Champions League. UEFA revamped the format this season, introducing a league phase which saw all 36 teams ranked in the same group rather than separate ones.

The top eight teams advanced straight to the last 16, while the next 16 clubs met in the play-offs for a spot in the next round. The current rules state that those in the top eight are guaranteed to play the second leg of their last 16 matches at home.

However, that does not apply to the quarter-finals or semi-finals and there has been some criticism of the fact that Arsenal are set to play the second leg of their clash with Real Madrid at the Bernabeu.

That is despite the fact that Arsenal finished third in the league table, while Madrid finished 11th. And according to a report from the Daily Mail, UEFA will discuss whether they should change that next season.

It is claimed that there is a 'growing belief' that only having seeded second legs for last 16 matches is not enough of a reward for clubs who starred in the league phase.

Despite those concerns, Arsenal are in a very strong position heading into the second leg of their clash with Madrid. Arsenal dominated the first leg at the Emirates, with two Declan Rice free-kicks and a Mikel Merino strike earning them a 3-0 win.

However, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is well aware of the threat Madrid pose at the Bernabeu. "I'm very proud, we had a very complete and big performance collectively and you need that in the organisation and what we had to do to dominate the game and to create Madrid problems," he said after the first leg.

"This night is about all two factors, one is the atmosphere that we created 15 minutes before kick-off is something I haven't seen before, so playing with that energy, with that commitment with your crowd makes a huge difference.

"And then magic moments, individual moments that decide all matches and the first two goals of Declan sums up the night. We're going to enjoy the win, because we feel we deserve to do that, but we know it's just half-time, and we're going to have to be even better in Madrid to go through.

"They were talking about it [the second leg] immediately. You know, great, enjoy it, and now let's prepare for Saturday very well, and then we'll have the time to prepare for the next challenge in Madrid. But they are all very excited."

And Madrid star Lucas Vazquez has warned Arsenal that they could pull off a historic comeback. "It's difficult, but if there's any team in the world that can turn this situation around, it's us in front of our home fans at our ground," he insisted.

"We'll see a different game on Wednesday and if we all stick together, we'll come through it."

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