The Champions League has introduced an exciting new structure this season, featuring 36 teams in the league stage. Each team plays eight matches, with the top 24 teams advancing to the knockout rounds. The top eight teams will earn direct entry to the Round of 16, while teams ranked 9th to 24th will face off in playoffs for the remaining eight spots.
With seven matches played, Liverpool and Barcelona have already secured their places in the Round of 16. By Tuesday, 11 teams had confirmed their knockout-stage participation. Defending champions Real Madrid, along with six other teams, secured at least playoff berths last night.
However, Manchester City finds itself in a precarious situation. After losing to PSG, Pep Guardiola’s team has dropped out of the top 24. PSG, despite their victory, has not yet guaranteed a playoff spot. The league stage concludes on January 30, which promises intense competition for the remaining spots.
Teams Secured for Round of 16:
Liverpool, Barcelona
At Least Playoff Spots Secured:
Arsenal, Aston Villa, Atalanta, Atlético Madrid, Bayern Munich, Brest, Celtic, Borussia Dortmund, Feyenoord, Inter Milan, Juventus, Leverkusen, Lille, AC Milan, Monaco, Real Madrid
Eliminated Teams:
Bologna, Red Star, Girona, Leipzig, Salzburg, Slovan Bratislava, Sparta Prague, Sturm Graz, Young Boys
