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BIGGER CUP IS BACK, BABY!

After enduring a full campaign of the Bigger Cup with its revised system larger group phase, in which every side plays eight matches versus varied opponents, views are split regarding if Uefa’s updated setup is better, inferior or much the same to the previous initial phase. Rather than the old 96 games required to reduce 32 clubs to 16, the new system now requires a massive 144 fixtures to eliminate only 12 sides from the 36-club lineup. A top-heavy league in all but name, the governing body is painfully aware that its flagship club competition is now an increasingly unwieldy, bloated mess that puts excessive demands on exhausted players, but doesn’t appear to care. Considering that it means blockbuster clashes like two European giants for the 11th time in six seasons, while revenue keeps rolling in, so who is Uefa to concern itself with managerial frustrations or player fatigue?

On the surface, there are some standout fixtures between genuine European heavyweights dotted throughout the fixture rounds, with quite a few of them expected to be exciting for viewers. However, the near-total absence of jeopardy for top clubs like PSG, Bayern Munich, both Madrids, multiple English clubs and other contenders—that will likely need just 11 points from their matches—means that the league stage may feel somewhat anticlimactic. Among the 36 clubs that competed last season, the only surprise qualifier for the next round was plucky Brest, whose valiant effort culminated in a heavy loss to the eventual champions.

The Gunners are the initial English side in action when they meet Athletic Club in one of the first matches. While the historic competitive meeting between these historic teams ought to be a special occasion, the high probability that each progress means that the result could matter less. Ultimately, last season, an almost imperious Liverpool lost only three points in the league phase but then be eliminated in the next round, beaten by a Paris Saint-Germain side that went on to win the tournament despite multiple of their opening five games. Still, broadcast deals are set, the games must be played, and we know that by the knockout phase, the competition will largely be great. Currently, we have 144 matches to complete in order to separate the elite clubs from the smaller opponents.

LIVE COVERAGE

Tune in for live updates of Athletic Club vs Arsenal, as well as Spurs' meeting with Villarreal, and live score coverage for other of the night's fixtures in both primary competitions.

TOP STATEMENT

“With all the offers he has received, I think it is exceptionally courageous [to stay]. Many advises him, ‘try this or try that’ and I think he is true to himself. He has faith in what we are doing here and understands the grass is not always greener. Another manager joined Besiktas and he’s not there anymore. His work has been a tremendous effort and the loyalty he has to the club, staff and the vision is remarkable … the simpler choice would be to go for the money and move to another club” – An official praising coach his dedication to Bodø/Glimt, which he has led to the Bigger Cup despite hailing from a remote fishing town.

READER COMMENTS

“The Sheffield United manager has the perfect opportunity to outdo the Nottingham Forest coach and declare trophies on his return” – A reader.

“Great story yesterday about the Thuram brothers and their father. Very different from the last time I faced against my sibling: he made a reckless challenge that left me injured long-term, and the referee (our father) didn’t even caution him. Happy days!” – Another contributor.

“Regarding the story about Manchester City firing a staff member for sporting a opposing jersey. I recall a comparable incident from my younger days: an official previously told us before a game, ‘I hope you guys win, I dislike the other team.’ Even now makes me laugh” – Today’s winner letter.

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Here’s a feature on a club’s quest for a new champion, featuring elements to ancient Greece and modern football culture.