The final round of Champions League league phase fixtures are staged on Wednesday evening as Europe’s elite look to end their campaign on a high.
All 36 teams have played seven matches each thus far and many remain uncertain of their fates heading into this week’s round of chaos. Whether fighting for automatic passage to the last 16 or simply a knockout play-off berth, much will be decided for the competition’s participants midweek.
This year’s revamped spectacle has rarely failed to inspire and here is how 90min believes Champions League Matchday 8 will pan out.
Most eyes will be on Manchester City this Wednesday. The 2022/23 European champions could be eliminated following a torrid campaign but know that victory at home to Club Brugge will secure their place in the play-off round. The Belgians are 20 matches without defeat and will be seeking to pull off an almighty upset knowing a loss at the Etihad Stadium could eliminate them.
Plenty will be keeping close tabs on Paris Saint-Germain, too. They are the other European giants on the precipice after some underwhelming results on the continent and they face the spirited Stuttgart in their final encounter. A draw would be enough for the French behemoths to reach the play-off round but their German opposition may need victory to secure their berth depending on results elsewhere.
Things are comparatively nerve-free for Liverpool, who currently lead the standings with their perfect record intact. The Reds need just a point to guarantee top spot and are already certain to reach the last 16, with a clash against PSV Eindhoven on the horizon. The Dutch side are yet to ensure their place in the knockout phase but are unlikely to be eliminated.
Barcelona are in a similar position to the current Premier League leaders having confirmed their last 16 place last week. Victory for La Blaugrana on Wednesday and defeat for Liverpool would see the Catalan giants jump into first. A visit from Atalanta lies in wait as the Italian side look to remain in the top eight.
Barceona’s Clasico rivals have far more to play for, however. Real Madrid journey to French overperformers Brest in their final outing and could yet make the top eight, even if it’s highly improbable at this stage. Still, they will be seeking a handsome win to finish as high as possible.
Los Blancos’ city foes Atletico Madrid are almost certain to feature in the last 16 and just need to beat struggling Salzburg to avoid the play-offs. It’s the same story for Milan, who face Dinamo Zagreb in their final outing.
Only a freak set of results would deny Arsenal progression to the last eight and they will fancy their chances of finishing with a win at already eliminated Girona. 2022/23 finalists Inter are in a similar position to the Gunners ahead of their clash with Monaco.
Bayer Leverkusen are among the favourites to finish in the top eight as they conclude the league phase at home to Sparta Prague. They could be joined by Aston Villa, who host fellow Britons Celtic on Matchday 8. The Villans and Xabi Alonso’s reigning German champions will be hoping that Barcelona beat Atalanta.
Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and Juventus are all guaranteed play-off spots but the odds are stacked against them as they pursue a top eight finish. All three do finish with winnable home fixtures, however.
Fixture & Prediction
Aston Villa vs Celtic 2-1
Barcelona vs Atalanta 4-2
Bayer Leverkusen vs Sparta Prague 3-0
Bayern Munich vs Slovan Bratislava 5-1
Borussia Dortmund vs Shakhtar Donetsk 3-1
Brest vs Real Madrid 1-3
Dinamo Zagreb vs AC Milan 0-2
Girona vs Arsenal 0-2
Inter vs Monaco 1-0
Juventus vs Benfica 1-1
Lille vs Feyenoord 2-2
Man City vs Club Brugge 3-1
PSV vs Liverpool 1-1
Salzburg vs Atletico Madrid 0-2
Sporting CP vs Bologna 2-0
Sturm Graz vs RB Leipzig 1-3
Stuttgart vs PSG 1-1
Young Boys vs Red Star Belgrade 0-1
