Real Madrid win lifts Shakhtar into Champions League next round

Real Madrid's Champions League win impacts Shakhtar Donetsk and Eintracht Frankfurt, with new format and debutants for next season.

Real Madrid's victory in the Champions League final not only secured their place in next season's competition but also had implications for other teams like Shakhtar Donetsk and Borussia Dortmund. The 2-0 win in the final settled the last direct entries into the revamped 36-team lineup for the Champions League. Madrid, already having secured their place as the Spanish league winners, allowed for Ukraine's Shakhtar Donetsk to claim a spot based on their ranking in UEFA competitions over the past five seasons.

On the other hand, Dortmund's defeat in the final meant that Germany's Eintracht Frankfurt missed out on a Champions League spot and instead will compete in the Europa League. The new format of the Champions League includes competition debutants like Girona and Brest, as well as teams with a historic presence in the competition like Aston Villa and Bologna.

The changes in the Champions League format were influenced by the European Club Association's desire for more games and a wider range of opponents. This came after the failed attempt by some top clubs to break away and form a Super League in 2021, which faced backlash from fans and ultimately collapsed. Despite the controversies, the Champions League continues to evolve, with prize money reaching billions of euros and ensuring each team a significant share even if they don't advance far in the competition.

As the draw for the next season's Champions League approaches, teams like Galatasaray, Lille, Red Star Belgrade, Salzburg, and Young Boys are vying for the remaining spots. The competition promises to be fierce, with high stakes and lucrative rewards for the eventual champion. The dynamics of European football are ever-changing, but the passion and excitement of the Champions League remain constant.