By rikififi90 
The Champions League 2024/25 league phase reaches its decisive moment with 18 simultaneous matches this Wednesday at 5 PM (Brasilia time). The eighth and final round will determine direct spots in the Round of 16 and the teams advancing to the playoffs. Of the 36 participating clubs, 27 still have something at stake, while only two matches will not impact the standings. With a new competition format, the excitement is set to last until the final whistle.
So far, only Liverpool and Barcelona have secured early qualification for the Round of 16. Liverpool leads with 21 points and a perfect 100% record, winning all seven games. Barcelona, with 18 points, also clinched its spot after key victories, including an electrifying 5-4 win over Benfica in the previous round. However, both teams still have strong incentives to play competitively in the final round, as their final position determines potentially easier opponents in the knockout phase.
This round promises intense tension for some of Europe’s biggest clubs that have yet to secure their place. Manchester City, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Borussia Dortmund face high-stakes matches. Manchester City, the 2022/23 Champions League winners, must defeat Club Brugge to remain in the tournament. Real Madrid, despite its historical dominance and star-studded squad, still needs favorable results to advance directly. Meanwhile, Bayern Munich faces a crucial match against Stuttgart, and Borussia Dortmund must win and rely on other results to keep its Champions League campaign alive.
18 games in one night 🤯
Everything to play for in the final round 🍿#UCL pic.twitter.com/6Xdbft2jxR
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) January 29, 2025
Liverpool and Barcelona lead, but strategic positions are at stake
Liverpool’s Champions League campaign has been dominant. Jürgen Klopp’s team won all seven matches, accumulating 21 points and boasting one of the tournament’s best attacks. Mohamed Salah has been a key player, leading the team in goals during the competition. Even though already qualified, Liverpool is aiming to secure first place overall to ensure a theoretically easier path in the knockout rounds.
Barcelona also secured its qualification, but its journey has been less smooth. The Catalan side lost its opening match but bounced back with crucial wins, including the thrilling 5-4 triumph over Benfica. Under Xavi Hernández, the team has displayed an explosive attack but a vulnerable defense, an issue that must be resolved for the upcoming elimination rounds.
Manchester City and Bayern Munich face risky scenarios
One of the biggest disappointments in this league phase has been Manchester City. The English club, which won the Champions League two seasons ago, has yet to secure a spot in the playoffs. With only eight points, the team must beat Club Brugge to qualify. Any other result could mean an unexpected early elimination, a shocking outcome for Pep Guardiola’s side.
Bayern Munich also enters the final round in an uncertain position. Currently 15th in the standings, the German club must beat Stuttgart to avoid elimination. The gap between Bayern and Stuttgart is just two points (12 vs. 10), making this a direct do-or-die clash for both teams.
Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund must win to stay alive
Real Madrid, the most successful club in Champions League history, has yet to secure a direct spot in the Round of 16. The Spanish giants enter the final round with 12 points and must win against Brest away from home. However, even a victory does not guarantee direct qualification, as they still depend on other results to secure a top-eight finish. Despite their powerful attack, Carlo Ancelotti’s squad has shown defensive vulnerabilities.
Borussia Dortmund finds itself in a similar predicament. The German club must win and hope for favorable results in other matches to move forward. Inconsistencies in recent rounds have put their qualification in jeopardy, turning the final match into a must-win situation.
Already eliminated teams still play a crucial role
Nine teams are already mathematically eliminated and will not advance: Bologna, Sparta Prague, RB Leipzig, Girona, Red Star Belgrade, Sturm Graz, RB Salzburg, Slovan Bratislava, and Young Boys. Even though they have no chance of qualifying, these teams can influence the fate of others still in contention by playing spoilers.
Among the eliminated teams, Slovan Bratislava and Young Boys have had the worst campaigns, failing to collect a single point. However, their final matches could be decisive in shaping the final standings.
The impact of the final round on the knockout stage
Beyond individual battles for qualification, the final round will also shape the rankings of the teams advancing, directly impacting the Round of 16 matchups. The top eight finishers will secure direct spots in the knockouts, while those outside will enter the playoffs.
As of now, the top eight teams are Liverpool, Barcelona, Arsenal, Inter Milan, Atlético Madrid, Milan, and Bayer Leverkusen. However, some of these teams still need to confirm their positions, meaning last-minute surprises could shake up the standings.
Teams from Pot 4 surprising and securing playoff spots
Three teams from Pot 4 in the initial Champions League draw have defied expectations by securing playoff spots. Aston Villa, Monaco, and Brest were initially considered underdogs, yet managed strong performances and now dream of an unprecedented qualification for the Round of 16. Their unexpected success eliminated several pre-tournament favorites.
What to expect from the final round
The final matchday of the Champions League 2024/25 league phase promises to be one of the most exciting in recent years. With countless possible scenarios, fans can expect last-minute drama, upsets, and late goals. The overall balance of the competition has been evident, making this season’s edition one of the most unpredictable ever.
Regardless of the results, the Champions League once again proves why it is the world’s most prestigious club tournament. While the league phase concludes this Wednesday, bigger challenges and thrills await in the knockout rounds.
The Champions League 2024/25 league phase reaches its decisive moment with 18 simultaneous matches this Wednesday at 5 PM (Brasilia time). The eighth and final round will determine direct spots in the Round of 16 and the teams advancing to the playoffs. Of the 36 participating clubs, 27 still have something at stake, while only two matches will not impact the standings. With a new competition format, the excitement is set to last until the final whistle.
So far, only Liverpool and Barcelona have secured early qualification for the Round of 16. Liverpool leads with 21 points and a perfect 100% record, winning all seven games. Barcelona, with 18 points, also clinched its spot after key victories, including an electrifying 5-4 win over Benfica in the previous round. However, both teams still have strong incentives to play competitively in the final round, as their final position determines potentially easier opponents in the knockout phase.
This round promises intense tension for some of Europe’s biggest clubs that have yet to secure their place. Manchester City, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Borussia Dortmund face high-stakes matches. Manchester City, the 2022/23 Champions League winners, must defeat Club Brugge to remain in the tournament. Real Madrid, despite its historical dominance and star-studded squad, still needs favorable results to advance directly. Meanwhile, Bayern Munich faces a crucial match against Stuttgart, and Borussia Dortmund must win and rely on other results to keep its Champions League campaign alive.
18 games in one night 🤯
Everything to play for in the final round 🍿#UCL pic.twitter.com/6Xdbft2jxR
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) January 29, 2025
Liverpool and Barcelona lead, but strategic positions are at stake
Liverpool’s Champions League campaign has been dominant. Jürgen Klopp’s team won all seven matches, accumulating 21 points and boasting one of the tournament’s best attacks. Mohamed Salah has been a key player, leading the team in goals during the competition. Even though already qualified, Liverpool is aiming to secure first place overall to ensure a theoretically easier path in the knockout rounds.
Barcelona also secured its qualification, but its journey has been less smooth. The Catalan side lost its opening match but bounced back with crucial wins, including the thrilling 5-4 triumph over Benfica. Under Xavi Hernández, the team has displayed an explosive attack but a vulnerable defense, an issue that must be resolved for the upcoming elimination rounds.
Manchester City and Bayern Munich face risky scenarios
One of the biggest disappointments in this league phase has been Manchester City. The English club, which won the Champions League two seasons ago, has yet to secure a spot in the playoffs. With only eight points, the team must beat Club Brugge to qualify. Any other result could mean an unexpected early elimination, a shocking outcome for Pep Guardiola’s side.
Bayern Munich also enters the final round in an uncertain position. Currently 15th in the standings, the German club must beat Stuttgart to avoid elimination. The gap between Bayern and Stuttgart is just two points (12 vs. 10), making this a direct do-or-die clash for both teams.
Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund must win to stay alive
Real Madrid, the most successful club in Champions League history, has yet to secure a direct spot in the Round of 16. The Spanish giants enter the final round with 12 points and must win against Brest away from home. However, even a victory does not guarantee direct qualification, as they still depend on other results to secure a top-eight finish. Despite their powerful attack, Carlo Ancelotti’s squad has shown defensive vulnerabilities.
Borussia Dortmund finds itself in a similar predicament. The German club must win and hope for favorable results in other matches to move forward. Inconsistencies in recent rounds have put their qualification in jeopardy, turning the final match into a must-win situation.
Already eliminated teams still play a crucial role
Nine teams are already mathematically eliminated and will not advance: Bologna, Sparta Prague, RB Leipzig, Girona, Red Star Belgrade, Sturm Graz, RB Salzburg, Slovan Bratislava, and Young Boys. Even though they have no chance of qualifying, these teams can influence the fate of others still in contention by playing spoilers.
Among the eliminated teams, Slovan Bratislava and Young Boys have had the worst campaigns, failing to collect a single point. However, their final matches could be decisive in shaping the final standings.
The impact of the final round on the knockout stage
Beyond individual battles for qualification, the final round will also shape the rankings of the teams advancing, directly impacting the Round of 16 matchups. The top eight finishers will secure direct spots in the knockouts, while those outside will enter the playoffs.
As of now, the top eight teams are Liverpool, Barcelona, Arsenal, Inter Milan, Atlético Madrid, Milan, and Bayer Leverkusen. However, some of these teams still need to confirm their positions, meaning last-minute surprises could shake up the standings.
Teams from Pot 4 surprising and securing playoff spots
Three teams from Pot 4 in the initial Champions League draw have defied expectations by securing playoff spots. Aston Villa, Monaco, and Brest were initially considered underdogs, yet managed strong performances and now dream of an unprecedented qualification for the Round of 16. Their unexpected success eliminated several pre-tournament favorites.
What to expect from the final round
The final matchday of the Champions League 2024/25 league phase promises to be one of the most exciting in recent years. With countless possible scenarios, fans can expect last-minute drama, upsets, and late goals. The overall balance of the competition has been evident, making this season’s edition one of the most unpredictable ever.
Regardless of the results, the Champions League once again proves why it is the world’s most prestigious club tournament. While the league phase concludes this Wednesday, bigger challenges and thrills await in the knockout rounds.
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