After 132 matches in the league phase of Europe’s premier competition, the final round of Champions League fixtures is here.
All 36 teams will be in action on Wednesday evening for a thrilling conclusion, with many still uncertain about their fates. Whether it’s the fight for a top-eight finish or the battle to avoid elimination, a range of high-profile matchups will keep fans on the edge of their seats.
For those eager to catch as much action as possible, following all 18 games simultaneously will be no easy task, likely requiring multiple screens to stay on top of the drama. The reason for this simultaneous kickoff on Matchday 8?
UEFA has opted to have all 18 matches start at the same time to preserve the competition’s integrity. By ensuring that every game kicks off at 20:00 GMT on Wednesday, January 29, no team will know their fate until all fixtures have concluded. This guarantees that every club approaches their final game with the same level of urgency, ensuring no team gains an unfair advantage.
In fact, this scheduling approach mirrors the practice of having all final group-stage matches in the same group start at the same time, a tradition that promotes fairness. It’s also a format commonly used on the final day of most domestic league seasons.