Champions League State Of Play
Which teams are through, which ones are out, and which ones are in the play-offs?
By Patric Ridge
After eight matchdays, the league phase of the Champions League is now over.
UEFA’s new format has not been for everybody, but some intriguing results made matters interesting heading into the final round of fixtures.
We now know the eight teams that have secured a place in the last 16, as well as the 12 teams to have been knocked out altogether.
The other 16 sides will now fight it off in a two-legged play-off, to be played in February, to decide the last eight teams that go through.
Here’s your full debrief.
WHO’S THROUGH?
Liverpool proved largely unstoppable throughout the league phase, and only against PSV on Wednesday, when Arne Slot named a much-changed side, did they come unstuck.
Behind them, Barcelona, Arsenal and Inter all progress on 19 points each two adrift of the Reds.
Atletico Madrid finished fifth, two points ahead of Bayer Leverkusen and surprise package Lille, who beat Feyenoord 6-1 on Wednesday, while also downing both Madrid clubs earlier in the campaign.
Aston Villa, in their first appearance in the Champions League/European Cup since 1982-83, took the final automatic qualification slot.
WHO’S INTO THE PLAY-OFFS?
Some huge names could not reach the last eight, and it means they will now face a shoot-out to reach the last 16.
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