UEFA Champions League Preview
UEFA Champions League Preview: Who has qualified for knockout stages, schedule, what to know
Wednesday night promises an unforgettable spectacle as the inaugural 36-team Champions League League phase culminates in dramatic fashion.
The stakes couldn’t be higher. The top 8 teams will secure direct qualification to the tournament’s last 16, while those finishing 9th to 24th will battle it out in the play-off round. For the bottom 8, however, the journey ends here—no second chances, and notably, no Europa League safety net this year.
With just three points separating 8th and 24th in the standings, the stage is set for an electric night of football. Adding to the intensity, all matches kick off simultaneously, ensuring edge-of-your-seat excitement across Europe.
Surprises in store
Only Liverpool and Barcelona have guaranteed direct qualification with 22 teams all in with a shout of joining them in the final 8, so expect a frantic night of table turning.
German giants Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund currently lie in 14th and 15th respectively and must win to guarantee their places in the next round, avoiding a play-off.
Among the standout fixtures, reigning champions Manchester City find themselves in a precarious position, sitting in 25th. Only a victory against Club Brugge will keep their campaign alive, while the Belgian side will look to vault into one of the coveted top 8 spots.
Meanwhile, French underdogs Brest take on the current champions Real Madrid. Both teams have already secured a play-off berth, but a win could see either leap into the automatic qualification positions, a remarkable achievement for Brest in particular who are playing in the competition for the first time in their history.
Fans of British football are in for a treat, too, with a fierce “Battle of Britain” showdown in Birmingham. Aston Villa host Scottish champions Celtic, with both sides needing a win to stake their claim for a place in the last 16.
It’s a historic evening that promises drama, heartbreak, and triumph. Football fans, prepare for a night to remember as the league phase delivers a fitting finale.
Matches (All games kick-off Wednesday 29th January 22:00 CAT)
Aston Villa vs. Celtic
Barcelona vs. Atalanta
Bayer Leverkusen vs. Sparta Prague
Bayern Munich vs. Slovan Bratislava
Borussia Dortmund vs. Shakhtar Donetsk
Brest vs. Real Madrid
Dinamo Zagreb vs. AC Milan
Girona vs. Arsenal
Inter Milan vs. Monaco
Juventus vs. Benfica
Lille vs. Feyenoord
Manchester City vs. Club Brugge
PSV vs. Liverpool
Red Bull Salzburg vs. Atlético Madrid
Sporting CP vs. Bologna
Sturm Graz vs. RB Leipzig
Stuttgart vs. PSG
Young Boys vs. Red Star Belgrade
Who has qualified?
Directly to round of 16:
Liverpool, Barcelona
Round of 16 or knockout round playoffs:
Atletico Madrid, Atalanta, Arsenal, Aston Villa, Bayern Munich, Brest, Celtic, Dortmund, Feyenoord, Inter Milan, Juventus, Leverkusen, Lille, Milan, Monaco, Real Madrid
On the brink (Nine clubs fighting for six remaining playoff spots):
PSV, Club Brugge, Benfica, PSG, Sporting, Stuttgart
Outside looking in:
Manchester City (8 PTS; +2 GD), Dinamo (8 PTS; -8 GD), Shakhtar (7 PTS; -6 GD)
Eliminated:
Bologna, Girona, RB Leipzig, Red Star Belgrade, Slovan Bratislava, Sparta Prague, Sturm Graz, Young Boys, Salzburg
