How to earn points in the Champions League Fantasy

To play Fantasy Football for the Champions League successfully, it is not enough just to pick a few star forwards and hope for goals.

Players at any position—from goalkeeper to forward—can earn points. Therefore, when building a squad it is important to consider not only the attacking potential of players but also their contribution in defense.

Let's find out how points are awarded in UEFA Champions League Fantasy Football, what bonuses players receive, and in which cases their score, on the contrary, is reduced.

Points for attacking actions

The main source of Fantasy points for most players is scoring actions. However, the number of points for a scored goal depends on the player's position.

For a goal the following points are awarded:

• forward – 4 points;

• midfielder – 5 points;

• defender – 6 points;

• goalkeeper – 6 points.

There is also a nice bonus for true lovers of long-range shots. If a player scores from outside the penalty area, he receives an additional 1 point.

Goal assists are valued equally for all positions: 3 points for an assist. An additional 2 points are awarded to a player for earning a penalty for his team.

Points for defensive actions

Defenders and goalkeepers can significantly boost their Fantasy score thanks to matches in which the team keeps a clean sheet.

If the team keeps its goal “dry”, the goalkeeper and each defender receive 4 points. Midfielders also receive a bonus for the team’s solid defensive performance – 1 point for a clean match.

Goalkeepers have additional ways to earn points. For every 3 saves the goalkeeper receives 1 point. And a saved penalty brings an immediate 5 points.

Another metric taken into account in Fantasy Football is ball possession recovery. Here the bonus is the same for all players: 1 point for every 3 possessions recovered.

Points for match participation

The mere fact of appearing on the field already gives the player 1 point. If a player spends at least 60 minutes on the pitch, he receives an additional 1 point. Therefore, regular inclusion in the starting lineup can be as important a factor as a high-profile name on the roster.

Man of the Match: additional 3 points

After each UEFA Champions League match, a Man of the Match is determined. The award, sponsored by PlayStation, is selected by UEFA technical observers.

The player recognized as the best of a particular match receives an additional 3 points in Fantasy Football.

In other words, sometimes for Fantasy it's useful not only to score or provide an assist – you can simply perform so well in a match that UEFA officials note it separately.

What causes points to be deducted in Champions League Fantasy Football

The Fantasy Football system is fair: players earn points for good actions, and can lose them for mistakes and infringements.

For goalkeepers and defenders there is a penalty for conceded goals: minus 1 point for every 2 goals conceded.

Additionally:

• minus 1 point – for a foul that led to a penalty;

• minus 2 points – for a missed penalty;

• minus 2 points – for an own goal;

• minus 1 point – for a yellow card;

• minus 3 points – for a red card.

Thus, when selecting players for Champions League Fantasy Football, you should look not only at the number of goals and assists. Reliable defenders, goalkeepers with many saves, midfielders who actively recover the ball, as well as players who regularly spend 60 or more minutes on the field, can also contribute valuable points.

However, frequent cards, own goals, and missed penalties can quickly turn a promising Fantasy campaign into a rather sad story.

Points table for Champions League Fantasy