Yeah I’m a fan too. It’s so much more exciting and open. The chances of a team like Madrid getting through the group stages only playing Olympiakos, Brest, and then maybe Lyon (which always seemed to happen for RM, coasting through a super easy group) are gone.

Now it’s a mixed bag for everyone. And the previous structure of the tournament was obviously a boon to a team like Madrid who basically mastered the two leg tie. Now it’s anyone’s game and we are seeing a much better tournament.