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August 22, 2024
Bologna’s goalkeeper Federico Ravaglia recently revealed that his teammates are eager to face Real Madrid in the upcoming draw for the new format of the UEFA Champions League. The Rossoblu, having finished fifth in Serie A last season, secured a spot in the expanded competition due to Italy’s strong UEFA ranking. As Bologna prepares for their debut in the prestigious tournament, Ravaglia’s statement reflects the team’s ambitious spirit and determination to take on one of Europe’s most formidable clubs.
This season marks the beginning of a revamped Champions League format, moving away from the traditional group phases and transitioning to a single large table comprising 36 teams. Instead of playing against all 35 opponents, each team will compete against eight clubs, with four home matches and four away games.
Before the competition’s commencement, a draw will determine which teams face each other. The top eight sides in the league will automatically qualify for the knockout stages, while those placed 9th to 24th will compete in a two-legged play-off for a spot in the last 16. As the competition progresses, the 12 lowest-ranked teams will face elimination, consequently bringing their journey in the tournament to an end.
With the new format in place, Bologna’s quest for Champions League glory promises to be a thrilling journey filled with determination, anticipation, and potentially groundbreaking achievements.
“It’s wonderful, as last season we started out with the intention of improving, but it went so well that we achieved this childhood dream,” Ravaglia told Sky Sport Italia.
“Being actually from Bologna and getting that achievement here was something magical. Now we can’t wait.”
The highly anticipated draw for the league phase of the revamped UEFA Champions League will take place on Thursday, August 29, setting the stage for the upcoming 2024-2025 season.
With the competition scheduled to commence on September 17 and conclude on January 29, Europe’s elite clubs will play eight games each—four home matches and four away games—facing off against eight unique opponents to secure their spot in the knockout stages.
Due to the intricacies involved in the draw, UEFA has enlisted advanced computers and artificial intelligence systems to ensure a smooth and error-free process. With a complex set of parameters to consider, such as avoiding crossovers and ensuring fair matchups, implementing cutting-edge technology will prove essential in managing the elaborate draw system.
The new format presents a thrilling challenge for the participating teams, striving to accrue points and climb the single-table league standings. The top eight performing teams will secure their positions and automatically advance to the highly anticipated knockout stage of the competition. At the same time, those placed 9th to 24th will compete in two-legged play-offs to secure a coveted spot in the last 16. The bottom 12 teams will be eliminated from the tournament, creating a heightened sense of urgency and competition for every match.
As clubs prepare for the upcoming UEFA Champions League, fans and enthusiasts alike eagerly await the draw on August 29. This marks the beginning of a captivating and unpredictable journey toward European football glory. With the integration of innovative technology, the draw promises to be executed with precision and clarity, setting the foundation for an unforgettable season filled with breathtaking moments and fierce rivalries.
“The dream of everyone here is to face Real Madrid, including the fans, so that’s what we all want. I think that on August 29 we’ll be together to watch the draw, we’re happy to be in the Champions League and know that we deserved it,” added Ravaglia.
They have a new coach now, as Vincenzo Italiano took over from Thiago Motta at the Stadio Dall’Ara.
“We did change a few things, we’re more aggressive off the ball and have a higher defensive line. Even we goalkeepers have to help the defence.”
Weston McKennie’s tumultuous journey at Juventus appears to have taken a dramatic turn, as the American midfielder is set to sign a new contract with the Italian giants. After a series of twists and turns in his Turin career, McKennie has reportedly been welcomed back into the fold by new coach Thiago Motta. He is now poised to commit his future to the club until 2026.
The United States international had been on the brink of a move to Aston Villa. Despite initial progress, the agreement ultimately fell through as the parties involved were unable to reach a consensus on the specific individual conditions and stipulations. With his previous contract expiring in 2025, McMcKennie’s future at Juventus seemed uncertain, especially after he was frozen out of the team and sent on loan to Leeds United. However, his imminent contract extension demonstrates the club’s renewed faith in the 25-year-old midfielder, who has scored 13 goals and provided 10 assists since joining in 2020.
In a striking turn of events, Weston McKennie, the USMNT star, has agreed with Juventus to extend his contract until 2026. This move solidifies his position within the Italian giants and underscores the mutual commitment between the player and the club.McKennie’ss previous contract was set to expire in June 2025, and the new agreement will see him don the iconic black and white stripes for another year, with the possibility of an additional extension until 2027.
The reported financial terms of the deal, as per Tuttosport, suggest that the Texas-born midfielder will maintain his current annual salary of €2.5 million.McKennie’ss dedication to Juventus is unwavering, as evidenced by his ability to regain favor within the squad despite previous challenges. In a noteworthy development, Juventus decided to solidify their commitment to Weston McKennie by making his initial loan deal from Schalke 04 permanent.
McKennie, who initially joined the Bianconeri in 2020 for €4.5 million, made a substantial impact during his time on loan, prompting Juventus to secure his services on a long-term basis. This decision highlights the club’s recognition of McKennie’s significant contributions and his potential to further bolster the team’s success in the future. March 2021 for an additional €21.9 million.
Since his arrival in Turin, Weston McKennie has evolved into an indispensable component of Juventus’ success. Known for his ability to play in various positions, McKennie has demonstrated a keen eye for goal, scoring 13 times and providing 15 assists in 134 appearances across all competitions. His contributions have been vital to the club’s achievements, including securing the 2020 Supercoppa Italiana and the Coppa Italia in the 2020-21 and 2023-24 seasons.
As he prepares to celebrate his 26th birthday next week, McKennie has firmly cemented his place within the Juventus family. Despite previous setbacks and transfer speculations, his resilience and unwavering dedication have resulted in renewed faith in the club, allowing him to continue his journey in Italy and further develop his impressive skill set. With the contract extension now in place, fans can look forward to more memorable moments from the USMNT star as he represents the iconic Bianconeri colors on the pitch.
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Katarzyna Nowak is a seasoned writer with over five years of experience in editorial content, news reporting, and cricket sportsbook app reviews. As an author for Latest Football News, she combines her deep understanding of the sports betting industry with a passion for cricket, delivering insightful and accurate content that keeps readers informed and engaged.
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