Why the away goals rule no longer counts in Europe

TL;DR

The away goals rule was abolished in UEFA competitions in June 2021, following recommendations from UEFA committees. Now, tied knockout matches go to extra time and penalties instead of considering away goals.

Key points

Away goals rule removed in June 2021
Change followed UEFA committee recommendations
Knockout ties now go to extra time and penalties

[BBC]

Away goals were removed from Uefa competitions in June 2021.

The rule change was made as a result of recommendations from the Uefa Club Competitions Committee and the Uefa Women's Football Committee.

European knockout ties that finish level after both legs head to extra time and then penalties.

Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin questioned the rule's fairness and believed it discouraged home teams – especially in first legs – from attacking.

"The away goals rule has been an intrinsic part of Uefa competitions since it was introduced in 1965," said Ceferin.

"However, the question of its abolition has been debated at various Uefa meetings over the last few years. Although there was no unanimity of views, many coaches, fans and other football stakeholders expressed a preference for the rule to be abolished."

Michael Olise of FC Bayern Munich is challenged by Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid

Away goals played no consideration in the 10-goal two-leg epic between Bayern Munich and Real Madrid [Getty Images]

"The impact of the rule now runs counter to its original purpose as, in fact, it now dissuades home teams – especially in first legs – from attacking, because they fear conceding a goal that would give their opponents a crucial advantage. There is also criticism of the unfairness, especially in extra time, of obliging the home team to score twice when the away team has scored."

Home wins decreased from 61% – in the mid-1970s – to 47% in the 2020-21 season, according to Uefa.

The average home goals per match also decreased from 2.01 to 1.58.

Away goals are one of the factors in the league phase matches to determine the rankings when two or more teams are on equal points.

Here are some of the Champions League's most dramatic away goal results: