We can see it more clearly even before the last day of the group stage of the Champions League. Like PSG, Benfica, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Naples, Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Liverpool, Inter Milan and Porto have already qualified for the round of 16.
They will be first in their group
For three clubs, the last match will have no stake. Chelsea with a three-point lead over AC Milan and a particular better goal difference are sure to finish first in their group no matter what. Same thing for Manchester City which can no longer be joined by Dortmund and Bayern Munich, out of reach of Inter Milan. This means that the other qualifiers will also have to finish first in their pools to avoid one of these three formidable clubs in the round of 16. A message for PSG…
They are qualified but…
In Group H, of course, PSG and Benfica can no longer be caught and are qualified, but they will fight for the first place in the group from a distance. It will be the same in other groups. Naples is guaranteed to play in the 8th but its runner-up Liverpool, winner of Ajax Amsterdam on Wednesday (3-0), still has a tiny hope of finishing first. Same case for Bruges and FC Porto also qualified for the knockout phase. The defending champion, Real Madrid, is in the same situation. He ensured his qualification but he is in the fight for first place with Leipzig who beat him on Tuesday evening (3-2). Behind Bayern and Manchester City, Inter Milan and Borussia Dortmund are certain to finish second in their group.
They will play in the Europa League
For the second consecutive year, the prestigious Barça is donated to the Europa League. Same thing for Sevilla FC who secured their place after their success in Copenhagen. Another Spanish club could join them: Atlético Madrid held in check by Bayer Leverkusen after a crazy scenario with in particular a penalty missed at the end of the match by Yannick Carrasco (2-2). This draw eliminates the partners of Antoine Griezmann, former Champions League finalists. They can no longer join Porto (9 pts), let alone Bruges (10 pts). This draw does not assure them of the Europa League either. To get there, they will have to do as well as Leverkusen on the last day. Otherwise, Madrid will join three clubs already eliminated from all European competitions
They say goodbye to Europe
We also know three teams that will not participate in the Champions League or the Europa League. Copenhagen, Celtic Glasgow and Viktoria Plzen will finish last in their group and will play their last European Cup match in a few days. A fate from which Marseille is not yet immune. A defeat against Tottenham and OM will join these last-tier graduates.