The UCL league phase returns on Tuesday with the penultimate round of fixtures before the beginning of the knock-out stage.
The Champions League returns this week with the penultimate round of league phase fixtures. The new format for the 2024/25 season means that the first round extends into the new year, with two more games for each team before the knock-outs.
As it stands, Premier League leaders Liverpool are top of the 32-team table with a 100% record from their opening six games. Just behind them are Barcelona, who managed five wins from six to leave them in a commanding possession.
For both teams, a positive result this week would allow them to start planning for the Round-of-16, although Barça may not be mathematically through. Teams that finish in the top eight of the league phase will advance to the Round-of-16, while those placed 9th-24th will compete in the play-off round.
What do Liverpool and Barcelona need to qualify in the Champions League?
Liverpool’s start to life under Arne Slot has surpassed all expectations and the Reds look set to lift the Premier League title for only the second time in the last 30 years. Things are just as impressive in the Champions League and Liverpool need a draw against Lille on Tuesday to confirm their place in the top eight.
Things are a bit more complicated for Barcelona, who are three points adrift of Liverpool in second place. A Barcelona win over Benfica on Tuesday would leave them on 18 points and put them in a very commanding spot, but there could still be a slim chance of dropping out of the top eight.
If Barcelona win on Tuesday, all four of Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich, Atlético Madrid and AC Milan would have to win their two remaining games, and overturn a significant goal difference deficit, to leapfrog Barcelona.
Behind those two, there is a real battle for the remaining six spots with automatic qualification to the Round-of-16. Currently those places are held by Arsenal, Bayer Leverkusen, Aston Villa, Inter Miami, Brest and Lille. Wins for any of those teams this week would put them in a strong position heading into the final round of league phase fixtures.