So feels like the goal was 8 group stage games each instead of 6...for $$$ purposes. But this is the stupidest way to do that.
40 teams, 8 groups, 5 teams per group, 8 games per team.
Top 2 teams from each group make it, there is your round of 16.
Edit: After reading this I hate it less, but I'd still prefer a more traditional group format. This just makes the games feel more random, although does do away with some of the "easy group" issues.
https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsle...ything-you-ne/