With three matches left in the first-ever Champions League league-phase format, several European giants, including Manchester City, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, and Juventus, are at risk of crashing out of the tournament entirely.
Under the new structure, only the top eight teams automatically qualify for the Round of 16. Teams ranked 9th to 24th must survive a two-legged playoff in February to secure a knockout stage spot, while those finishing between 25th and 36th face complete elimination, with no Europa League safety net.
Current Standings: Heavyweights in Trouble
- PSG: Currently in 25th, teetering on elimination.
- Real Madrid: Sitting just above PSG in 24th place.
- Manchester City: Slipping to 17th and far from the top-eight threshold.
- Juventus: Level on points with City but placed lower due to goal difference.
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KEY FIXTURES AND IMPLICATIONS:
Tuesday, December 10
Atalanta vs. Real Madrid (8 PM):
Real Madrid’s shaky campaign has seen defeats to AC Milan, Lille, and Liverpool. A trip to Atalanta, unbeaten in the competition, poses another significant challenge. However, Madrid can take heart from their earlier 2-0 UEFA Super Cup win over Atalanta, where Kylian Mbappé scored his first goal for the club.
RB Salzburg vs. PSG (8 PM):
PSG must secure three points against 34th-placed Salzburg to keep their knockout hopes alive. A loss could see them slipping further, with a potential elimination clash against Manchester City looming.
Wednesday, December 11
Juventus vs. Manchester City (8 PM):
Both teams are desperate for a win to climb out of danger. Juventus, under Thiago Motta, have built their campaign on defensive resilience, conceding only five goals so far. Meanwhile, City have struggled with consistency, recently dropping points in a frustrating 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace.
ANALYSIS OF STRUGGLES:
Manchester City: The reigning champions have struggled for rhythm this season. Injuries and an inconsistent attack have left Pep Guardiola’s side vulnerable in key matches. They face a must-win scenario against Juventus to stay in contention.
PSG: After an opening win against Girona, PSG’s campaign nosedived with losses to Arsenal, Atletico Madrid, and Bayern Munich. Their next two fixtures are critical to survival.
Real Madrid: The defending champions have been uncharacteristically poor, plagued by missed opportunities, including Kylian Mbappé’s recent struggles in front of goal.
Juventus: The Serie A side’s defensive resilience has kept them afloat, but their lack of goals could prove costly as they face tougher opponents.
UPCOMING DATES TO WATCH:
- Matchday 6: December 10-11, 2024
- Matchday 7: January 21-22, 2025
- Matchday 8: January 29, 2025
- Knockout Playoffs: February 2025
WHAT’S AT STAKE:
With the Allianz Arena set to host the Champions League final on May 31, 2025, the stakes couldn’t be higher. For these footballing heavyweights, failure to advance could have lasting implications both on and off the pitch. The next three rounds will determine whether they can salvage their campaigns—or face an early exit from Europe’s premier competition.
