The UEFA Champions League knockout stage is taking shape as multiple teams have already booked their spot in the last 16. However, some teams still have much to sort out in the last matches of a captivating group stage. An important point to note is that out of the eight groups, the winners and runners-up qualify for the next round of the competition. On the other hand, the third-place teams will play in the UEFA Europa League playoff round, while the fourth-place team will be eliminated from European competitions. With that in mind, let’s examine the key fixtures in the last ECL group stage matches.
Teams That Have Already Qualified for The Last 16
So far, ten teams have qualified for the knockout stage of the UEFA Champions League, namely:
- Bayern Munich (Group A)
- Arsenal (Group B)
- Real Madrid (Group C)
- Real Sociedad and Inter Milan (Group D)
- Atletico Madrid and Lazio (Group E)
- Borussia Dortmund (Group F)
- Manchester City and (Group G)
- Barcelona (Group H)
Key Fixtures
Thirteen teams are fighting for the remaining six spots, meaning football fans should brace themselves for thrilling final group stage matches. If you wager on ECL using soccer Betway, these are interesting matches to predict. Based on history, fans should expect to see some dramatic performances.
Group A
Bayern Munich have already qualified as the group winners, but all the other three teams have a chance of securing the second spot in the group based on final-day results. Here are the remaining fixtures scheduled for December 12:
- Copenhagen vs. Galatasaray
- Man United vs. Bayern Munich
All three teams must win their remaining match to qualify for the next round. Fans should expect very competitive games. Man United can take consolation from the fact that Bayern have already qualified, so they won’t be very competitive at Old Trafford.
Group B
Arsenal are guaranteed at least a place in the last 16. The group’s remaining fixtures:
- Lens vs Sevilla
- PSV vs Arsenal
If Sevilla beat Lens, they can book a spot in their favorite tournament, the UEFA Europa League. PSV will have to win their match against Arsenal to seal second place.
Group C
Here, Real Madrid are the group winners, with Braga and Napoli fighting out for the second spot. Union Berlin can only make it to the Europa League. Remaining fixtures:
- Napoli vs Braga
- Union Berlin vs Real Madrid
The key fixture in this group is between Napoli and Braga, which are separated by three points. Betting fans on Betway will have a tough time predicting this one! On the other hand, Real Madrid will want a perfect group stage performance, so they’ll give their all to beat Union Berlin.
Group F
With Dortmund secure, the team playing them in the remaining match might fancy their chances. Here are the remaining fixtures:
- Dortmund vs PSG
- Newcastle vs Milan
PSG can overcome Dortmund away in Germany, while Newcastle and Milan faceoff at St. James Park. Both matches should treat the fans to a thrilling spectacle. Keep an eye on PSG and Newcastle.
Group H
In this group, the battle is between Porto and Shakhtar Donetsk. Goal difference separates the two teams, with Porto’s being superior by five goals, which is significant. The final matches are:
- Porto vs Shakhtar Donetsk
- Antwerp vs Barcelona
The match between Porto and Shakhtar Donetsk will be entertaining. Porto are expected to take home-ground advantage to win the tie. Will they?