UEFA Champions League: Deciding the Final Tickets for the Knockout Stage

After the seventh round of the group stage concluded, two teams have already qualified for the next round, while four teams have been eliminated. Arsenal and Bayern Munich secured their spots in the round of 16 one round early.

Mikel Arteta’s team leads the group stage with a perfect 21 points from 7 matches, while the German giants Bayern Munich sit in second place, three points behind.

Alongside confirming the two teams advancing, the UEFA Champions League 2025 - 2026 has also said farewell to four teams: Eintracht Frankfurt, Slavia Prague, Villarreal, and Kairat.

According to the rules, the top 8 teams in the UEFA Champions League group stage standings will qualify directly for the next round.

Thus, besides Arsenal and Bayern Munich’s two spots, there are six more direct tickets to the round of 16.

Thirteen teams with points ranging from 12 to 15 will compete for these spots, including Real, Liverpool (15 points), Tottenham (14 points), PSG, Newcastle, Chelsea, Sporting, Barca, Man City, Atletico, Atalanta (13 points), Inter, and Juventus (12 points).

Currently, the biggest advantage lies with the third and fourth-placed teams, Real Madrid and Liverpool (both with 15 points). With a very high goal difference (11 goals), theoretically, coach Alvaro Arbeloa’s side only needs to avoid losing to Benfica at Da Luz to achieve their goal. Meanwhile, Liverpool must win against Qarabag to guarantee their place in the round of 16.

Real has an outstanding record against Portuguese opponents, remaining unbeaten in their last 10 matches and winning all 4 recent away games. Kylian Mbappe continues to be the focal point, having scored 11 goals this season, matching Cristiano Ronaldo’s group stage record.

This match also excites football fans as it marks the reunion between coach Jose Mourinho and his former club Real Madrid. The Portuguese manager led this team from 2010 to 2013, winning a domestic double.

Notably, reigning champions PSG currently sit sixth in the group with 13 points. They must beat Newcastle United to avoid playing in the playoffs to advance. However, coach Luis Enrique’s squad faces a tough challenge as their final opponent is a strong Premier League side that is right behind PSG in the standings.

Parc des Princes will serve as a stronghold for PSG. The French team has lost only twice in their last 18 Champions League group matches and often produces explosive games, scoring 4 or more goals in three of their last four fixtures. Newcastle, on the other hand, struggles when playing in France, winning just once in 9 matches.

Teams like Chelsea, Barca, Sporting, Man City, Atletico Madrid, and Atalanta still have a chance to fight for a spot in the round of 16 if they win. However, they also depend on the results of teams above them.

Chelsea and Barca are currently eighth and ninth, respectively. Both giants must win against Napoli and Copenhagen to have a chance to be in the top 8.

Barca is considered to have a high chance of breaking into the top 8 as they rank ninth (13 points) and face Copenhagen in the final round. They will aim for a win with as many goals as possible.

Meanwhile, Chelsea faces a tougher challenge as coach Liam Rosenior’s team travels to Diego Armando Maradona Stadium to face Serie A champions Napoli in the last round.

The Italian club has a strong record against English opponents, winning 8 of 11 home matches in European cups and losing only once in their last 20 games. This match also holds special significance for Antonio Conte, Napoli’s head coach, who previously led Chelsea to Premier League and FA Cup titles during his two seasons.

Chelsea also struggles when playing away in Italy, winning only 2 of 13 European matches and losing 6 of their last 7 trips there.

Another major club facing difficulties is Man City. Pep Guardiola’s team currently ranks 11th with 13 points. In the decisive match, the Citizens will host Galatasaray at Etihad Stadium. Despite the potential 3 points, Man City cannot guarantee qualification on their own and must rely on favorable results from other matches.

Etihad will be a strong support for Man City, despite Leverkusen ending their 23-match unbeaten home streak in the Champions League group stage in the previous round.

Notably, Galatasaray has an impressive record against English teams, remaining unbeaten in their last four matches with three wins.

The two other Italian representatives, Inter Milan and Atalanta, must regain their form first. Both play away in the final round, against Dortmund and Royale Union SG respectively. Failure to win would mean elimination from the fierce Top 8 race.

UEFA Champions League 2025 - 2026 Round 8 Schedule
3:00 AM, January 29
Napoli vs Chelsea.
Benfica vs Real Madrid.
PSV vs Bayern Munich.
PSG vs Newcastle United.
Manchester City vs Galatasaray.
Liverpool vs Qarabağ.
Barcelona vs Copenhagen.
Eintracht Frankfurt vs Tottenham Hotspur
Borussia Dortmund vs Inter Milan
Bayer Leverkusen vs Villarreal
Atlético de Madrid vs Bodø/Glimt.
Arsenal vs Kairat.
Monaco vs Juventus.
Ajax vs Olympiakos Piraeus.
Athletic Club vs Sporting CP.
Club Brugge vs Olympique Marseille.
Pafos vs Slavia Praha.
Union Saint Gilloise vs Atalanta.