Paris Saint-Germain's (PSG) performance in the Champions League has sparked debate about the competition's current format. Some critics argue that the structure unintentionally favors big clubs from leagues with fewer teams, like Ligue 1 and the Bundesliga. According to a recent report, PSG won the Champions League title despite finishing 15th and 11th in the group phase, raising questions about how the format influences the competition's balance. The report suggests that the group stage has become less decisive, with the most exciting matches often reserved for later rounds. Mikel Arteta, the manager of Arsenal, has expressed interest in how to effectively challenge teams like PSG, a question that has been on his mind since the 2026 Champions League final. The report notes that the current format may give an unintentional advantage to clubs like PSG, which can afford to prioritize later stages of the competition. This is partly due to the financial rewards of the Champions League, which have created a tiered system where only the wealthiest clubs can consistently compete at the highest level. Despite these concerns, the group stage still offers excitement and unpredictable storylines. Teams like Como, LASK, Viking, and Sabah have added intrigue to the competition as debutants. However, the report points out that the regularity of matches in the group stage has made it feel more like a domestic league, with some clubs choosing to conserve their resources for later rounds. This trend is especially visible in the strong performance of English clubs, none of which have been eliminated in the group stage so far. The expansion of the Champions League has also impacted the Premier League, offering an alternative to the failed Super League and increasing competition for broadcasting rights. The heightened intensity of the Champions League has made it harder for Premier League clubs to attract top talent, as teams like Real Madrid, Barcelona, and PSG have greater financial resources and can offer higher wages. The report highlights Rodri's potential move to Barcelona as a significant development, which could enhance the depth of the competition. However, Barcelona has struggled to be a dominant force in the Champions League since at least 2019, despite recent improvements under manager Hansi Flick.