Why have English sides underperformed in the Champions League round of 16? It’s complicated
When the Champions League introduced a new ‘Swiss model’ with a 36-team league phase, critics argued it led to a bloated competition. For weeks, it felt more like an accounting exercise than a top European competition. Then, the final matchday delivered what this competition does best: noise, panic and late drama. Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin…