The ‘League Phase’ of the revamped Champions League and Europa League is nearing its end. Over the course of two days, 18 matches will be played across both competitions to determine which teams qualify for the knockout round. In this article, we highlight the most exciting matches of this matchday.
What Comes After the League Phase?
We’ll focus solely on the Champions League and Europa League, as the League Phase of the Conference League has already concluded. Playoffs are currently underway for teams that finished between 9th and 24th place. The winners of these playoffs will face the top eight teams from the League Phase. This approach will also be used for the other two European competitions.
Although some teams in the Champions League and Europa League have already secured their qualification, things are still tense around the 8th and 24th places. These are critical positions to qualify directly or even have a chance in the playoffs. All Champions League matches will be played on Wednesday, January 29, and all Europa League matches on Thursday, January 30.
Champions League
PSV – Liverpool
Let’s start at the top: Liverpool is already guaranteed a spot in the next round. As leaders with an 8-point lead over 9th place, nothing can go wrong for The Reds. However, PSV will face a tough challenge against the dominant English club. A draw would guarantee the Dutch side a playoff spot, but a loss would leave them waiting on other results.
Barcelona – Atalanta
To head into the next round with greater confidence, Atalanta would do well to collect some points. However, that will be a tough task against a strong Barcelona, currently in second place. If Atalanta loses, they could slip into the playoffs, though their qualification is already assured.
Manchester City – Club Brugge
In Belgium, all eyes are on the clash between Club Brugge and Manchester City. The Cityzens are currently out of contention, meaning they are likely to give it their all to secure those last points. Hopefully, this guarantees good football, as Club Brugge won’t be easily overwhelmed. With 11 points and sitting in 20th place, they are not entirely certain of their position. A draw would suffice for Club Brugge, but City will undoubtedly aim for more.
Stuttgart – PSG
PSG also needs to hunt for crucial points. The Parisians are in 22nd place with 10 points, which might not be enough. They must focus on their match against Stuttgart, who share the same point total as the French side. They could wait on the result of Club Brugge’s match because if the Belgian side loses, Stuttgart and PSG could both advance with a draw.
Europa League
Anderlecht – Hoffenheim
Anderlecht can secure direct qualification for the Europa League knockout stage with a win against Hoffenheim. The Mauves suffered a heavy blow last week with a 2-0 defeat to Viktoria Plzen. However, they can approach this match with confidence after a convincing 4-1 win over KV Mechelen on Sunday. Hoffenheim will need a miracle to qualify.
Rangers – Union
The Rangers let victory slip away last week against Manchester United, but that only motivates them more to secure a win this time. Both the Scottish team and Union have 11 points, already enough for the playoffs, and are just three points shy of the top eight. They still have a slim chance of direct qualification, but everything needs to go right.
Other Teams
The Europa League standings are very tight, meaning a loss could spell the end, while a win might propel a team into the top eight. Notable fixtures include Ajax – Galatasaray and AS Roma – Eintracht Frankfurt. Additionally, Manchester United will seek to secure their place against Romanian side FCSB, while Tottenham hosts Swedish club Elfsborg. Teams already assured of qualification include Lazio, Eintracht Frankfurt, and Athletic Bilbao.
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