European heavyweights including Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid and Liverpool will be battling for automatic qualification to the UEFA Champions League last 16 as the league phase concludes this week.
Fifteen teams have already secured places in the knockout rounds, while 17 others will compete for the remaining slots. All 18 fixtures on matchday eight will kick off simultaneously on Wednesday, setting the stage for a dramatic finale.
Under the competition format, the top eight teams advance directly to the last 16, while sides finishing ninth to 24th will enter the play-off round. Last season’s champions, Paris Saint-Germain, proved the play-offs are no barrier to lifting the trophy, but most clubs will be keen to avoid the extra hurdle.
Teams Already Through to the Last 16
Arsenal and Bayern Munich are the only two teams guaranteed a place in the last 16. Arsenal, who have won all seven of their matches so far, could become the first side to complete a perfect eight-game league phase. They host bottom-placed Kairat Almaty, who have just one point.
Bayern Munich’s only European defeat came against Arsenal in November. Vincent Kompany’s side round off their campaign away to PSV Eindhoven.
Automatic Qualification Within Reach
Real Madrid, the competition’s most successful club with 15 titles, will confirm a last-16 spot with an away win against Benfica, coached by José Mourinho. Liverpool can also secure direct qualification by defeating Qarabag at Anfield, while Tottenham Hotspur will bypass the play-offs if they win away at Eintracht Frankfurt, despite their struggles domestically.
Eight teams placed between sixth and 13th are tied on 13 points. Reigning champions PSG host Newcastle United, ensuring at least one of those sides will drop points. Chelsea currently occupy the final top-eight position but face a difficult away test against Napoli, led by former Chelsea manager Antonio Conte.
Barcelona and Manchester City, currently ninth and 11th respectively, are well positioned to break into the top eight if results elsewhere go their way. Sporting Lisbon, Atletico Madrid and Atalanta are also contenders.
Inter Milan and Juventus sit on 12 points. Despite recent poor form from Inter, both Italian giants are already assured of progressing from the league phase.
Likely to Reach the Knockouts
Borussia Dortmund and Galatasaray are all but certain to qualify. Qarabag are closing in on a historic first knockout appearance after a dramatic late victory over Eintracht Frankfurt last week.
Marseille, Bayer Leverkusen, Monaco, PSV Eindhoven, Athletic Bilbao and Olympiacos currently complete the top 24, though several clubs just outside the cut-off still have a chance to force their way in.
Clubs at Risk
Italian champions Napoli are the most high-profile side in danger of elimination. They sit 25th, behind Olympiacos on goals scored. FC Copenhagen, also on eight points, face a daunting trip to Barcelona.
Former European champions Benfica and Ajax must win to keep their qualification hopes alive. Club Brugge, Bodo/Glimt, Pafos and Union Saint-Gilloise are in the same position as they head into the decisive final round.
With qualification, play-off places and pride all on the line, Wednesday’s final matchday promises high drama across Europe.
Champions League: Heavyweights Jostle for Direct Last-16 Spots as League Phase Reaches Final Day
