Thierry Henry is urging UEFA to bring back the away goals rule, citing the recent 3-3 draw between Barcelona and Inter Milan in the Champions League semi-final first leg. Henry believes that Inter Milan’s three away goals should give them an advantage heading into the second leg.
“I know it’s been like that for a very time and we have to accept it, but off-air I was talking to Jamie (Carragher) and I’m like, ‘how can you score three goals away from home and you don’t have an advantage?’” Henry said on CBS Sports. “Away goals for me were massive. You score three goals away and you still don’t have an advantage 0-0 at home…”
The away goals rule was scrapped in 2021, with UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin explaining that it no longer served its original purpose. However, Henry disagrees, believing that away goals should carry more weight. “There is something to be said for scoring away from home, and it seems unfair that it doesn’t count for more,” Henry implied.
Henry’s comments highlight the ongoing debate about the away goals rule. While some argue that it encourages teams to play more defensively, others believe that it rewards teams for scoring away from home. The outcome of the second leg will ultimately decide which team advances to the final, but Henry believes that Inter Milan’s away goals should give them a significant advantage.
The Champions League semi-final second leg promises to be an exciting encounter, with both teams looking to make a strong impression. Barcelona will aim to build on their home advantage, while Inter Milan will look to capitalize on their away goals. Henry’s comments add an extra layer of intrigue to the tie, with the possibility of the away goals rule being reinstated hanging in the balance.
Regardless of the outcome, the debate about the away goals rule is likely to continue. Henry’s opinion is just one of many, but it highlights the passion and conviction that many fans and players have for the beautiful game.