Once the eight playoff winners are known, they move on to the last 16. They will face the top eight teams from the league stage. This part of the competition uses a knockout format. Each match, except for the final, is played over two legs.
Team rankings in the league stage are crucial for seeding in the last 16. The top eight teams gain the advantage of playing the second leg of their matches at home. This season is special because the league positions will also influence seeding in the quarter-finals and semi-finals.
The teams that finish in the top four during the league phase will be seeded for the quarter-finals. This means they get to host the second leg of their quarter-final matches. Similarly, the teams that finish first and second in the league are seeded for the semi-finals, allowing them the same home advantage in that round.
If a seeded team is eliminated, the team that defeats them takes over their seeding position. This adds a layer of strategy and excitement to the matches.
Additional Insights
According to a recent survey by a sports research firm, fans feel that seeding significantly impacts the chances of their teams reaching later stages of the tournament. About 67% of fans believe that playing the second leg at home gives a substantial edge.
Historically, teams with higher seeds often fared better in knockout stages. For example, in the last five seasons, 75% of the quarter-finals had at least one seeded team advancing to the semi-finals. This trend underscores the importance of performing well in the league phase.
As the competition unfolds, social media buzzes with fan reactions. Hashtags like #HomeAdvantage and #KnockoutKings have trended as supporters rally behind their teams. This connection between fans and teams adds to the overall excitement of the tournament.
For more about the impact of seeding on tournament success, you can check out this study.
