UEFA consider Champions League rule change after Arsenal given Real Madrid boost

UEFA is reportedly contemplating a significant rule alteration for the next season's. This season saw a revamp of the format, introducing a league phase where all 36 teams were ranked in one group rather than separate ones.

The top eight teams progressed directly to the last 16, while the subsequent 16 clubs competed in play-offs for a place in the following round. The current regulations stipulate that those in the top eight are assured of playing the second leg of their last 16 matches at home.

However, this does not extend to the quarter-finals or semi-finals, and there has been some backlash over being scheduled to play the second leg of their match against at the Bernabeu.

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This is despite Arsenal finishing third in the league table and Madrid finishing 11th. According to a Daily Mail report, UEFA will consider whether they should modify this next season.

There is a 'growing belief' that only having seeded second legs for last 16 matches does not sufficiently reward clubs who excelled in the league phase.

Despite these concerns, Arsenal are in a commanding position ahead of the second leg of their match with Madrid. Arsenal dominated the first leg at the Emirates, with two free-kicks and a goal securing them .

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has acknowledged the challenge posed by Madrid at the Bernabeu, expressing his pride in Arsenal's performance. "I'm very proud, we had a very complete and big performance collectively and you need that in the organisation and what we had to do to dominate the game and to create Madrid problems," he said.

"This night is about all two factors, one is the atmosphere that we created 15 minutes before kick-off is something I haven't seen before, so playing with that energy, with that commitment with your crowd makes a huge difference.

"And then magic moments, individual moments that decide all matches and the first two goals of Declan sums up the night. We're going to enjoy the win, because we feel we deserve to do that, but we know it's just half-time, and we're going to have to be even better in Madrid to go through.

"They were talking about it [the second leg] immediately. You know, great, enjoy it, and now let's prepare for Saturday very well, and then we'll have the time to prepare for the next challenge in Madrid. But they are all very excited."

Meanwhile, Madrid's Lucas Vazquez has sent a warning to Arsenal, hinting at a potential comeback. "It's difficult, but if there's any team in the world that can turn this situation around, it's us in front of our home fans at our ground," he said.

"We'll see a different game on Wednesday and if we all stick together, we'll come through it."