With the inaugural 36-team Champions League group section coming to an finish, right here is the scenario every La Liga aspect finds themselves in earlier than the 18 video games kick off concurrently.
Barcelona – Atalanta (H) – 18 factors – 2nd place
Barcelona can possible safe second spot with only a level at residence to Atalanta, though La Dea might be a tough check. A win offers them a slim hope of usurping Liverpool in high spot, ought to the Reds lose to PSV Eindhoven, however in any other case they’re capped in second spot. Atalanta will go sturdy towards Barcelona, with a Spherical of 16 spot on the road for the seventh place aspect.
The anticipated lineups. @mundodeportivo, @diarioas pic.twitter.com/2llgoMykfu
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) January 29, 2025
The vital factor is to complete high two although, as that can see them seeded reverse the opposite high seed within the draw, as the very best seed in that part of the draw. Having already secured a high eight spot, they’ll go immediately into the Spherical of 16. If Barcelona draw and Arsenal or Inter win, they will leapfrog the Catalans with a major objective swing, and the identical is the case for Atletico Madrid and AC Milan in the event that they lose, however that swing could be 10-11 targets – objective distinction is the separating issue.
Atletico Madrid – RB Salzburg (A) – 15 factors – fifth place
Atletico Madrid will qualify within the high eight for the Spherical of 16 with a win, and will end as excessive as second, however are more likely to be battling it out for seeding. In the event that they had been to attract, Atletico would have eight groups behind them that would probably overtake them, however that does partially hinge on objective distinction. There are 4 spots for the 9 groups together with Atletico although.
🚨 Enrique Cerezo on the RFEF president’s feedback about Florentino Perez:
“I haven’t heard these statements. Nor have I ever heard Florentino say that, so I can’t remark. Let Mr. Louzán, who made the assertion, give his opinion.”
“We’re right here in Salzburg to speak about an… pic.twitter.com/GL6MZyz938
— Atletico Universe (@atletiuniverse) January 29, 2025
Have been Los Colchoneros to endure a shock defeat to Salzburg, who’re thirty fourth and already eradicated, then Atletico could be at higher danger of dropping into the play-off spherical. The variety of groups that would surpass them would enhance to 13 groups, though a few of them face off towards one another. They’re assured a play-off spot, however a win would go a good distance for Diego Simeone’s aspect.
Actual Madrid – Brest (A) – 12 factors – sixteenth place
Actual Madrid are the aspect which have their destiny most within the air. They’ve a 2.9% likelihood of constructing the highest eight with a win, however must higher the outcomes of the eight sides forward of them to squeeze into the Spherical of 16. Solely three factors might be sufficient. As identified by Marca, Actual Madrid want Lille and Feyenoord to attract, and defeats for Aston Villa and Monaco towards Celtic and Inter respectively to have a hope.
A draw will do little for Los Blancos, who’re assured a play-off spot. That will possible see them seeded within the backside half of the play-off spherical, whereas a defeat might see them end as little as twenty third. Up towards them are Brest, who’re a degree forward of them and have loads on the road.
Girona – Arsenal (H) – 3 factors – thirty first place
Sadly for Girona, progress is dominated out after only a single win over Slovan Bratislava. A win over Arsenal might see them transfer as excessive as twenty eighth, a defeat would put them liable to bottoming out the desk. A minimal 11-goal swing would wish to happen, coupled with Slovan and Younger Boys wins to ensure that that to occur although.
⚽️ Matchday 8 is right here!
Dramatic conclusion incoming 🍿#UCL pic.twitter.com/YOFnx8AIi2
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) January 29, 2025
A degree ensures they won’t end backside, however it’s largely satisfaction, a €2.1m win bonus, and coefficient factors on the road for the Catalans towards Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal. The Gunners are in third place, and might be motivated to win by seeding locations and to ensure their spot within the Spherical of 16.