The league phase of the new 36-team Europa League is nearing its conclusion, simplifying knockout matchups significantly. Teams ranked 1-8 proceed directly to the round of 16, while 9-24 enter playoffs, and those ranked 25-36 are eliminated. Unlike previous formats, teams in higher positions avoid playing each other until later rounds, changing the strategy. Tiebreakers include goal differences and performance of opponents faced, emphasizing competitive strength. The league phase not only determines advancement but also strategic planning for potential knockout encounters, impacting clubs' next moves in the tournament.
In the new 36-team Europa League, positioning is crucial as higher-placed teams avoid early knockout clashes, affecting tournament strategies and outcomes.
The new 'seeding' system in the Europa League ensures that the highest-ranked teams cannot meet until the later knockout rounds, changing traditional dynamics.
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