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The away goals rule has been on the minds of soccer fans all around the world this season, especially in the UEFA Champions League and Europa League. UEFA is considering getting rid of the tie-breaking system.
Recently, Manchester United skated past PSG after scoring three goals at the Parc Des Princes to make the aggregate tally 3-3 after 90 minutes. If the away goal rule didn’t exist, the match would’ve gone into extra time and the outcome of the game could’ve been completely different.
The away goals rule means that if the aggregate goal tally of the two legs is tied, the team with the team with the most away goals wins the match instead of going into extra time. If the away goal tally is even, then the match goes into extra time and eventually penalties if no other goals are scored.
The rule was made in 1965 to promote away teams to attack more, but many fans think the rule is outdated and unnecessary to the modern game.
It is understandable that fans want UEFA to throw out the rule.
At times, the away goals rule can be punishing.
Let’s use a hypothetical. Team A scores two goals at home while the opposing Team B also scores two goals in the first leg. In the second leg, both teams score one goal. The aggregate is 3-3, but Team B would still go through, as it has scored two away goals and Team A only scored one. Why not just let the teams go to extra time and play it out?
Think of it this way: Not only does the away goals rule encourage away teams to attack more, but it incentivizes home teams to defend better at their home ground. Reason being that if Team A didn’t give up two goals at home, it wouldn’t be in the mess that it’s in.
The away goals rule makes the ties just that more interesting.
Opponents of the away goals rule could argue that extra time and penalties are a better option, but are they? If no goals come from extra time, aren’t penalties equally if not more punishing? If penalties are about holding your nerve, so is not conceding at home when it’s vital not to.
What do you think: Should the away goals rule be thrown out, or should the old rule continue to be a mainstay in European continental competitions?
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