UEFA Considering major Champions League change: Extra time could be gone soon

Change might be coming to the Champions League, and it’s a big one.

According to BILD, UEFA are seriously thinking about removing extra time from the knockout stages. That’s right, no more half-hour extensions of agony and adrenaline. If a two-legged tie ends level on aggregate, the match would go straight to penalties.

No more nervy 30 minutes. No more last-minute screamers in the 120th. Just straight to the spot, where heroes and heartbreakers are made.

Why Now?

It’s no secret that players are being pushed to their physical limits with jam-packed schedules and non-stop competitions. UEFA’s potential move could be a response to growing concerns about player fatigue and fixture congestion, especially with more Champions League games coming in the new Swiss-style format.

Less time on the pitch = fewer injuries and more recovery. That’s the theory.

But let’s be honest: extra time has delivered some of the most unforgettable moments in football history. Think Sergio Ramos in 2014. Think Liverpool vs Atlético. It’s part of the drama. Taking it away might streamline things, but it could also strip away a layer of magic.

What’s Next?

This isn’t official yet. UEFA is still debating it, and any change would likely come next season or shortly after. If the plan gets approved, it’ll be a seismic shift in how knockout football plays out on Europe’s biggest stage.

So… no more dragging matches into the 120th minute?

Only pens. Sudden death. Pure pressure.

Let’s see if UEFA pull the trigger. For now, the countdown to drama, continues.