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The End of an Era: UEFA’s Decision on Away Goals
For over 50 years, the away goals rule played a decisive role in European football. It served as the first tiebreaker in two-legged ties, often determining the outcome of crucial Champions League and Europa League matches. However, in 2021, UEFA decided to scrap this historic rule, opting for a more conventional approach to extra-time and penalties.
What Was the Away Goals Rule?
The away goals rule dictated that if a two-legged tie ended in a draw, the team that had scored more goals away from home would advance. Essentially, away goals acted as a tiebreaker, adding extra weight to goals scored on the road.
For example, in the 2019 Champions League semi-final, Tottenham Hotspur advanced to the final over Ajax despite a 3-3 aggregate score. Spurs’ three away goals in Amsterdam helped them progress after losing 1-0 at home. Similarly, Bayer Leverkusen reached the 2002 Champions League final at Manchester United’s expense, thanks to the rule.
If both teams had the same number of away goals, the match would proceed to extra-time and, if necessary, penalties.
When Was the Away Goals Rule Introduced?
Introduced in the 1965/66 UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup, the away goals rule was designed to encourage attacking football, especially during an era when defensive strategies like catenaccio dominated. The first instance of the rule being applied saw Budapest Honved progress against Dukla Prague due to their superior away goal tally.
The rule was later incorporated into the European Cup (now Champions League) in 1967 and became a defining aspect of knockout football.
Why Did UEFA Scrap the Away Goals Rule?
The 2021/22 season marked the end of the away goals rule across UEFA competitions. The final time it was used in the Champions League was during the 2020/21 quarter-finals, when Paris Saint-Germain eliminated Bayern Munich.
UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin explained that the decision was influenced by a decline in home advantage. With modern travel and stadium conditions improving significantly, UEFA believed the rule no longer served its original purpose.
What Happens Now If a Two-Legged Tie Ends in a Draw?
The new format is simple:
- If the aggregate score is level after both legs, extra-time (30 minutes) is played.
- If the tie remains undecided, it goes to a penalty shootout.
No away goals. No additional weight for goals scored on the road. Just standard knockout football.
How Has This Change Affected European Competitions?
The removal of the away goals rule has led to more cautious first-leg encounters, as teams no longer feel pressured to score away from home. Some argue that this has made European knockout ties more balanced, while others believe it has reduced the excitement of two-legged battles.
What do you think? Do you prefer the new format, or should UEFA have kept the away goals rule? Let us know in the comments!
