Toni Kroos discussed Real Madrid’s Champions League outlook and the drama created by the new league-phase format in the latest episode of his podcast, Einfach mal Luppen.
Kroos focused on what the format means for Madrid’s schedule, the added pressure of finishing in the top eight, and how late goals across Europe created chaos on the final matchday — something he said he enjoyed as a viewer.
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Kroos on Madrid potentially facing Benfica and the burden of extra matches
Kroos said he doesn’t anticipate major surprises if Real Madrid were to draw Benfica, but emphasized that the bigger issue is the physical toll of playing additional games in an already congested calendar.
“Madrid could face Benfica again, but I don’t expect any surprises. What might bother Madrid the most is having to play two extra matches with such a tight schedule. Clearly, the reason for this hasn’t pleased them much either: if you start the matchday in third place and face Benfica, you assume you’ll just get through the process and finish in the top eight ,”
Kroos praises the drama and “crazy” late-night chaos
Kroos also described the final matchday as highly entertaining, pointing to how one late goal could instantly reshape the standings and qualification scenarios.
“It was really fun. One goal could turn everything upside down. Sporting’s goal in the 94th minute in Bilbao knocked Real Madrid out of the top eight , Chelsea went 2-3 up and then took the lead, so Real Madrid needed just one more goal to get back into the top eight. Benfica, on the other hand, took quite a while to realize they only needed one goal to make it into the top 24. I saw the interview with José (Mourinho); he even brought on two defenders at 3-2 until someone told him they only needed one more goal to qualify. True to form, he said that’s what the goalkeeper was for. It was crazy, but very exciting. I love the format ,”
