Two days and many challenges. Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atlético de Madrid will reach the final two matches of the Champions League championship stage with options to finish in the top 8, a select group of teams that advance directly to the round of 16 of Europe’s top competition, where Luis Enrique’s Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) defends the title.
In the case of Athletic Club, Ernesto Valverde’s team will fight to enter among the 24 besteven if it means playing an extra turn. On the other hand, the European dream ended on the sixth day for Villarreal, who suffered another defeat, the fifth in six matches, this time against Copenhagen.
Easier for Real Madrid and Atlético
Real Madrid and Atlético de Madrid are the best placed to finish in the top 8where Diego Pablo Simeone’s team already finished last season, the first to apply the new competition format. After the sixth day and despite the defeat against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, the Whites remain eighth with 12 points.
Xabi Alonso’s team it depends on you: If they add up the six points remaining to them, they will avoid the additional round that the teams from 9th to 24th will have to play. On the penultimate day, they will welcome Monaco to the Santiago Bernabéu. The last match will be more complicated, during which they will travel to José Mourinho’s Benfica.
Atlético de Madrid also have a good chance of finishing in the top 8 of the Champions League. This is the ninth, with the same points as Real Madrid. The colchoneros must win the two remaining duels (Galatasaray and Bodø/Glimt) and score big scores.
Barcelona has things more complicated (10 points), who must win their two remaining matches, but must wait for certain results because, unlike last season, 16 points does not guarantee finishing among the top eight in the championship stage. Grading is more expensive. Hansi Flick’s men will travel to Slavia Prague and host Copenhagen at the Camp Nou.
Athletic Club won’t be able to enter the top 8, but they still have a chance to finish among the top 24, which would qualify them for the round of 16with additional elimination via. Valverde’s team achieved an honorable draw this Wednesday against PSG, the current champion. It has six points, including one behind Copenhagen which marks the ranking. In front of Atalanta at home and Sporting Lisbon at home.
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