Did you miss this rule change in European football?
Manchester United are back in Europa League action this evening when we take on Barcelona in the first leg of our play-off tie.
But will the clash be impacted by the number of away goals scored?
In the past, the away-goals rule has been applied in situations where two-legged European ties have ended in an aggregate draw, with the team who scored the higher tally in their away fixture advancing through to the next round.
In the event that this criteria still didn't separate the sides, then extra-time and, if necessary, penalties would be used to decide the winner.
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However, UEFA made the decision to abolish the rule at the start of the 2021/22 season, meaning away goals on their own are no longer a defining element in any of their competitions, including the Europa League.
And while the Reds will no doubt be aiming for a positive result at the Nou Camp, it alleviates the pressure of needing to outscore the hosts away from home.
Should the tie be level come full-time in the reverse leg at Old Trafford next week, the team who progresses will be decided through the traditional route of extra-time and penalties.
And while the Reds will no doubt be aiming for a positive result at the Nou Camp, it alleviates the pressure of needing to outscore the hosts away from home.
Should the tie be level come full-time in the reverse leg at Old Trafford next week, the team who progresses will be decided through the traditional route of extra-time and penalties.
“The impact of the rule was running counter to its original purpose,” said UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin at the time of the abolition.
“It was dissuading the home teams - especially in first legs - from attacking, because they feared conceding a goal that would give their opponents a crucial advantage.”
Erik ten Hag’s side are set to take on La Liga leaders Barcelona at the Nou Camp this evening (17:45 GMT) when our live coverage across ManUtd.com and the United App includes radio commentary.
“It was dissuading the home teams - especially in first legs - from attacking, because they feared conceding a goal that would give their opponents a crucial advantage.”
Erik ten Hag’s side are set to take on La Liga leaders Barcelona at the Nou Camp this evening (17:45 GMT) when our live coverage across ManUtd.com and the United App includes radio commentary.