FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Champions League - Phase Draw 2024 - Grimaldi Forum, Monaco - August 29, 2024 General view of the trophy ahead of the draw REUTERS/Manon Cruz/File Photo
PARIS (Reuters) - The Champions League and Europa League reform drew criticism because it added to an already packed calendar, yet the European competitions' league phase finale is set to be a memorable blockbuster next week.
After seven rounds, only two teams - Liverpool and Barcelona - have secured direct access to the last 16 in the Champions League while Lazio are the only side having claimed their spot in the Europa League knockout phase.
