The UEFA Champions League’s groundbreaking league phase is reaching its climax, with high-stakes encounters determining which teams will secure spots in the knockout stage.
As Matchday 8 unfolds, clubs battle for survival, seeding advantages, and pride. All matches commence at 22:00 CAT and will be broadcast live on SuperSport.
Sporting CP vs Bologna
Current Standings: Sporting CP (23rd, 10 points) | Bologna (28th, 5 points)
While Bologna’s campaign has ended, Sporting CP still has a chance to progress. Captain Morten Hjulmand emphasized the team’s determination: “We must win to keep our Champions League dreams alive.” This will be the fifth time these sides face each other in European competition, with Bologna holding a narrow historical edge.
PSV vs Liverpool
Current Standings: PSV (19th, 11 points) | Liverpool (1st, 21 points)
PSV remains in contention for the knockouts in the champions league but faces a daunting task against a Liverpool side seeking to maintain a perfect record. Reds boss Arne Slot remained cautious, saying, “Being top is great, but we need to see if it provides an advantage.” Liverpool has yet to lose to PSV in European competition.
Young Boys vs Crvena Zvezda
Current Standings: Young Boys (36th, 0 points) | Crvena Zvezda (32nd, 3 points)
With both teams eliminated, this match is purely about pride. Crvena Zvezda’s Mirko Ivanić expressed their commitment to finishing strong: “Playing in the Champions League is an honor, and we will give our all.” The previous six meetings between these clubs have been evenly matched.
Stuttgart vs Paris
Current Standings: Stuttgart (24th, 10 points) | Paris (22nd, 10 points)
Both sides are fighting for a knockout phase spot in a must-win fixture. Paris midfielder Vitinha remains confident following their victory over Manchester City: “We believe we can win and advance.” Historically, Paris has fared well against German opposition but lost to Bayern earlier in the campaign.
Sturm Graz vs Leipzig
Current Standings: Sturm Graz (33rd, 3 points) | Leipzig (30th, 3 points)
Both teams are already eliminated, but Leipzig forward Yussuf Poulsen stressed their commitment to finishing strong. Leipzig has yet to claim victory against Austrian clubs in European play.
Manchester City vs Club Brugge
Current Standings: Man City (25th, 8 points) | Club Brugge (20th, 11 points)
Despite their struggles, City still has a shot at qualification, while Brugge is also in the hunt. Pep Guardiola is aware of the challenge: “We have one last opportunity, and we must take it.” City dominated Brugge in their last Champions League encounters.
Bayern Munich vs Slovan Bratislava
Current Standings: Bayern Munich (15th, 12 points) | Slovan Bratislava (35th, 0 points)
Bayern has already secured a knockout phase spot, while Slovan seeks its first points. Joshua Kimmich insists his team must correct their mistakes from previous matches. Bayern remains unbeaten against Slovakian clubs.
Inter vs Monaco
Current Standings: Inter (4th, 16 points) | Monaco (10th, 13 points)
Both clubs are assured at least a knockout phase play-off spot. Inter coach Simone Inzaghi is pleased with his side’s defensive solidity. Monaco has struggled historically against Inter, winning just once.
Borussia Dortmund vs Shakhtar Donetsk
Current Standings: Dortmund (14th, 12 points) | Shakhtar (27th, 7 points)
Dortmund’s four wins have secured their qualification, while Shakhtar still has a chance. Dortmund has never lost to Shakhtar in European competition.
Barcelona vs Atalanta
Current Standings: Barcelona (2nd, 18 points) | Atalanta (7th, 14 points)
Barcelona has secured a round of 16 place, while Atalanta fights for a favorable seeding. The Italian side has been in free-scoring form, netting 15 goals in their last four games.
Other Key Fixtures
- Juventus vs Benfica: Juventus is through; Benfica must win to progress.
- GNK Dinamo vs Milan: Milan is already through, but GNK Dinamo hopes to keep its campaign alive.
- Salzburg vs Atleti: Atleti is assured of a knockout phase berth, while Salzburg is eliminated.
- Lille vs Feyenoord: Both teams are tied on points and looking to improve their rankings.
- Aston Villa vs Celtic: Both sides have secured qualification, but positioning remains crucial.
- Girona vs Arsenal: Arsenal eyes a top-eight finish; Girona is eliminated.
- Brest vs Real Madrid: Both clubs are through, but Brest unexpectedly sits ahead of Madrid.
Looking Ahead
Teams placed 9th to 24th will compete in the knockout phase play-offs in the Champions League, with draws taking place on 31 January. The two-legged ties on 11/12 and 18/19 February will determine who joins the top eight in the round of 16. The full draw for subsequent rounds in the Champions League, including the quarter-finals and semi-finals, is set for 21 February.
The Grand Finale
The 2024/25 UEFA Champions League final is scheduled for 31 May 2025 at Munich’s Fußball Arena München, where the best of Europe will battle for ultimate glory.