The eight clubs that would’ve been seeded highest in this season’s Champions League under the new system.
It was announced yesterday that UEFA have agreed to change the seeding system for the Champions League group stage next season, with the new rules to favour the winners of the continent’s major domestic leagues rather than those with a previously exemplary record of qualification.
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The new system would be bad news for the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea, who would’ve missed out on top seeding for this season’s competition and would’ve had to face one of these eight giants, who’d have been handed the places in pot one instead:
Real Madrid (Spain)
With seven of the top seedings going to the champions of Europe’s seven highest ranked domestic leagues, the other place is handed to the holders of the competition – in this case Real Madrid, who saw off rivals Atletico in a pulsating clash in Lisbon in May.
Atletico Madrid (Spain)
Despite missing out on the Champions League trophy after the heartbreak of Sergio Ramos’ late header in Lisbon, Diego Simeone’s men would still have secured top billing through lifting the La Liga title ahead of Barcelona.
Manchester City (England)
Relatively continental new boys Manchester City keep getting tough Champions League draws as a result of their relatively lack of experience in the competition, but would’ve avoided Bayern Munich this season having been given a top seeding for winning the Premier League.
Bayern Munich (Germany)
Comfortable Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich would also have been given a top seeding both under the old and new regulations, but would’ve avoided Premier League champions Manchester City under the updated system.
Juventus (Italy)
The perennial Serie A champions have not been particularly impressive in the Champions League of late, crashing out in the Group Stage last season, but would’ve picked up top seeding due to their Italian triumph.
Benfica (Portugal)
Europa League runners-up Benfica would also have received one of the top seedings under the new system, as well as the old one, with the Primeira Liga being the fifth highest ranked in Europe.
Paris Saint Germain (France)
With their league being rated as the sixth best on the continental, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Paris Saint Germain would’ve received top seeding due to their Ligue 1 triumph.
CSKA Moscow (Russia)
The most controversial side to have been handed top billing under the new system would be CSKA Moscow, the reigning Russian champions – their league may be seventh highest ranked, but the Muscovites have a poor recent Champions League record, as their thrashing against AS Roma showed.