It's a kinder format that leaves plenty to be decided on the final day. Smaller clubs will unquestionably advance to the direct elimination stages of the competition, where the stakes and pressure are higher. Upsets in the playoff round are likely to happen, with plenty of Davids getting a chance to dispatch any struggling Goliaths.

The UEFA Champions League is back and better than ever very different, as 36 teams play eight games — four home and four away — in bids to reach the knockout rounds. The schedule is longer, the table much bigger, and there are even Thursday games on ...

The league phase of the Uefa Champions League has reached its midway point and the first round of matches in second half concludes on 27 November. Catch all the action live on SuperSport (channel 199).