UEFA changes home-away rules for Champions League next season

UEFA has announced significant changes to the home-away regulations for Champions League knockout stages in 2025/26 season — the new system is not entirely based on group phase rankings.

Teams ranked 1-4 will be guaranteed to play second legs at home for round of 16 and quarter-finals. Meanwhile, teams ranked 1-2 are assured home priority in semi-finals.

The new rules also include an “inheritance” system — teams that defeat clubs ranked 1-4 will inherit their home priority rights in subsequent rounds. This differs from US sports leagues that re-rank teams in each playoff round.

This change comes after last season’s controversy when Arsenal, who finished 3rd, had to play their semi-final second leg at Paris Saint-Germain who finished only 15th. However, even under new rules Arsenal would still play away as PSG had previously knocked out 1st-ranked Liverpool.

These regulations will also apply to other UEFA competitions:

• Europa League
• Conference League
• Women’s Champions League