It can seen in both ways.Originally Posted by triz
It was definitely harder to get in back then, either you be Champions or the holders, no other way. So it can be said to be harder, winning your league was a hard ask. But once in, it's slightly easier compared to now.
The group stage basically not that difficult depending on the draw, but the additional knock out phase against the cream made it harder.
This season may be an exception because the semis are tough, but usually it's the Rd of 16 and the quarters that's the real challenge. Once in the semis, you are quite safe, because of some upsets, you could get teams like PSV, Lyon, Monaco and was it Schalke 2 years ago?
This past 2 seasons - the semis are tough. Last year - Bayern, Dortmund, Barca and Madrid
This year - Bayern, Real, Chelsea and Atleti - all doing