Following 60 games in the space of 20 short days, the region has been whittled down from the 20 that started to the final eight for the knockout stages due to commence, somewhat ludicrously in February 2023 – a whole 10 months away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This phase felt different than those that had preceded it. We do remain distinctly in COVID-mode, in the fact the groups were still run-in neutral hubs, but there were fans in attendance at the very least, if not to the size we\u2019d expect if there was a complete return to normality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While the previous two editions were granted a grace period from criticism given the widespread impact of the worldwide pandemic, with the global game returning to business as normal \u2013 especially in Europe \u2013 there was always going to be a snide comment or two relating to the Asia’s pedestrian approach in transitioning back to the status quo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This neatly coincided with the AFC\u2019s plans to investigate a \u201cSuper League\u201d refinement of the current Champions League format, a mere two years after they set off on their newly expanded 40-team tournament journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Unfortunately, the current format has started to feel like Asian football\u2019s \u201cnew normal\u201d as opposed to the temporary solution we all hope it will turn out to be. With pressure from member associations and fans mounting, it felt like it needed to deliver on its promises, this year more than ever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In its defence, the draining schedule, which sandwiched six games into 19 days for each team; twice as many as was needed given the lack of home\/away nuance, was unlikely to ever retain the high levels of competitiveness and interest that some required. However if we’re honest, whenever did we really look forward to a Champions League group stage, whatever confederation you were in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The aforementioned attendance issues only increased the perceived lack of intensity and drama. The nominal home teams, involving teams hailing from the Saudi Pro League benefitted from having support in great numbers, while neighbouring nations only sent a handful of spectators, further propelling this myth of a non-event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n