Real Madrid will finish the Champions League group stage at home to Benfica. A year ago, a win on the final day at Stade Brest would have put them out of the top eight, but now it’s up to them to avoid the play-ins.
Arbeloa’s side are third in the table with 15 points after seven games and know that a win against Da Luz would put them in the top eight and at the mercy of the draw for the round of 16 on February 27. The question for Madrid is where they will sit in the top eight if they beat Mourinho’s side. Depending on whether Bayern loses in their visit to Eindhoven, second place is also a possibility. Current goal difference favors Bayern: +2 (13-11)
Champions League superstar chooses Team Ronaldo or Team Messi
if tied
In the event of a draw, where the scoreline is not helpful for Benfica, Madrid will have to keep an eye on the 10 teams that sit behind them with 15 points: Liverpool (also), Tottenham and a number of teams with 13 points (PSG, Newcastle, Chelsea, Barcelona, Sporting, Manchester City, Atletico Madrid, Atalanta). Losing their spot in the top eight would be a major development for Madrid. Their +11 goal difference is better than other teams, they have a head-to-head (PSG vs. Newcastle), Sporting finished at San Mamés, and Athletic are still alive…
If you lose
If they lose to a Benfica side who can count on a win against Madrid, Los Blancos will be within reach of all the teams mentioned in the previous block, as well as two teams with 12 points: Juventus and Inter. In this case, Madrid would be in a danger zone as six of their pursuers could catch up with them.
Their duel is as follows.Liverpool (15 points) – Qarabag
Eintracht – Tottenham (14)Atlético Madrid (13) – Bodo GrimtBarcelona (13) – CopenhagenPSG (13) – Newcastle (13)
Athletic – Sports (13)Manchester City (13) – Galatasaray
Union Saint Giroise – Atalanta (13)
Napoli – Chelsea (13)
