Is the new league phase actually working? Initially, I dismissed this format as a pure money grab and a 'Super League lite.' I disliked the 36-team table, the unfamiliar Swiss model, and the lack of full round-robin play. However, my current view is evolving. The old group stage often saw half the groups decided by Matchday 5 or 6, with the final games becoming mere friendlies. This led to a predictable lack of tension. Now, every single goal difference feels crucial. Major teams find themselves battling for playoff spots, with one poor result causing a significant drop in standings. The entire mid-table fiercely competes for those coveted top-eight byes. Is it perfect? Far from it; the league table is undeniably challenging to navigate on a phone. Yet, I find myself more engrossed in matches between 12th and 23rd place than ever before. Do you still miss the traditional four-team groups? UCL Football