The UCL competition phase returns on Tuesday with the penultimate round of matches before the start of the knockout phase.
The Champions League returns this week with the penultimate round of the competition phase. The new format for the 2024/25 season means the first round will continue into the new year, with two more matches for each team before the knockouts.
As it stands, Premier League leaders Liverpool top the 32-team table, with a 100% record from their first six games. Right behind them is Barcelona, who recorded five of six wins and left them in commanding possession.
For both teams, a positive result this week would allow them to make plans for the Round of 16, even though Barça may not be mathematically ready yet. Teams finishing in the top eight of the league stage will advance to the Round of 16, while teams seeded 9th through 24th will compete in the play-off round.
What do Liverpool and Barcelona need to qualify for the Champions League?
Liverpool's start under Arne Slot has exceeded all expectations and the Reds look set to win the Premier League title for only the second time in the last thirty years. Things are just as impressive in the Champions League and Liverpool need a draw against Lille on Tuesday to confirm their place in the top eight.
Things are a little more complicated for Barcelona, who are three points behind Liverpool in second place. A Barcelona win over Benfica on Tuesday would leave them on 18 points and put them in a very impressive spot, but there could still be a slim chance of falling out of the top eight.
If Barcelona win on Tuesday, Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich, Atlético Madrid and AC Milan would need to win all four of their remaining two matches and erase a significant goal difference deficit to leapfrog Barcelona.
Behind these two there is a real battle for the remaining six spots with automatic qualification for the Round of 16. Currently those spots are held by Arsenal, Bayer Leverkusen, Aston Villa, Inter Miami, Brest and Lille. Wins for either of these teams this week would put them in a strong position heading into the final round of the league stage.
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