As Manchester City prepare to face Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League knockout playoffs, winger Savinho has expressed his discontent with the new tournament format, insisting that both clubs should not be playing at this stage of the competition.

Under UEFA’s new league format, only the top eight teams from the group phase automatically advance to the Round of 16. Meanwhile, teams finishing between ninth and 24th—like Real Madrid (11th) and Manchester City (22nd)—must go through a playoff to reach the next round. This means one of Europe’s biggest powerhouses will be eliminated early in the campaign.

Savinho did not hold back in his remarks:

“I think that we, as Man City, cannot be in the playoffs. We should get to the next round in a more convincing way. It’s also worth mentioning that Real Madrid, with all the weight their shirt holds, shouldn’t be in the playoffs too, with all respect to other teams,” he said, as quoted by Madrid Xtra.

Should the Format Be Revised?

Savinho’s comments reignite the debate on whether UEFA’s new format is fair to elite clubs. Real Madrid, the most successful club in Champions League history with 15 titles, and Manchester City, the 2022-23 winners, have been dominant forces in European football. Yet, they now face the risk of an early exit due to the revised qualification system.

While UEFA introduced the new league phase to increase competition, some argue that it unfairly penalizes top teams that may have had a slow start in the group stage. Critics believe such powerhouse clubs deserve a more direct route to the knockout rounds, as their consistent success and global fanbase contribute massively to the tournament’s prestige.

A Heavyweight Clash with High Stakes

Regardless of the format, the football world is in for a treat as two European giants collide at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday night. With both clubs eyeing another Champions League trophy, the pressure is immense—one team will continue their journey, while the other will suffer a shocking early elimination.

What do you think? Is UEFA’s new system fair, or should big teams like Man City and Real Madrid get special consideration? Drop your thoughts in the comments!