Champions League Set for Thrilling Conclusion as Top 8 Places and Knockout Spots Still Up for Grabs

The group stage of this season’s expanded Champions League is nearing its end, with 18 matches scheduled to be played simultaneously on Wednesday across Europe. Teams like Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain are racing to avoid an early exit from the competition.

The top 8 teams in the 36-team league phase will advance directly to the last 16 in March, skipping the two-legged knockout round play-offs next month. Liverpool and Barcelona are the only teams that have already secured their place in the last 16, having won all their group games so far.

Other teams, including Arsenal, Inter Milan, and Atletico Madrid, are currently in the top 8 but could still be knocked out depending on Wednesday’s results. Arsenal and Inter Milan only need a draw to ensure they move on to the next stage. With just a few points separating many teams, the final matchday is set to be full of surprises, with goal difference likely playing a crucial role.

Among the big names still fighting for a top 8 finish are Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Juventus, but all are guaranteed at least a spot in the February play-offs. The biggest concern, however, is for Manchester City, who are currently in 25th place and need a win in their final match against Club Brugge to stay in the competition.

PSG, who beat City last week, will be hoping to secure a draw against Stuttgart to move through to the next round.
Teams finishing in 9th to 24th position will enter the play-offs, with matches scheduled for February. The teams in 9th to 16th place will be seeded, and a draw will decide who they face. There’s also a possibility that teams from the same country could meet in the play-offs.