{"id":21829,"date":"2026-01-28T14:29:04","date_gmt":"2026-01-28T14:29:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/index.php\/2026\/01\/28\/the-champions-league-knockout-squad-will-be-determined-by-the-completion-of-the-hectic-18-games-leading-up-to-the-opening-match\/"},"modified":"2026-01-28T14:29:04","modified_gmt":"2026-01-28T14:29:04","slug":"the-champions-league-knockout-squad-will-be-determined-by-the-completion-of-the-hectic-18-games-leading-up-to-the-opening-match","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/index.php\/2026\/01\/28\/the-champions-league-knockout-squad-will-be-determined-by-the-completion-of-the-hectic-18-games-leading-up-to-the-opening-match\/","title":{"rendered":"The Champions League knockout squad will be determined by the completion of the hectic 18 games leading up to the opening match."},"content":{"rendered":"


\n<\/p>\n

\n

In Wednesday’s hectic final round of the Champions League opener, there was no way they could win 16-8.<\/p>\n

All 36 teams will play in 18 matches, kicking off simultaneously at 2000 GMT. tabletop arsenal<\/span> Second-placed Bayern Munich is guaranteed a top-eight finish and a direct place into the Round of 16.<\/p>\n

Real Madrid, who are in third place with 15 points, have fallen to Borussia Dortmund who are in 16th place with 11 points and will aim to be in the top eight of Europe’s eight nations when the final whistle blows. <\/p>\n

The difference between eighth-placed Chelsea and ninth-placed Barcelona (both with 13 points) is the English club’s goal difference of +6.<\/p>\n

it is, Results similar to debut season<\/span> Last year’s Champions League had a new expanded format, with a 16 point cut-off to finish in the top eight.<\/p>\n

still, Defending champion Paris Saint-Germain<\/span> They finished 15th a year ago, but showed they needed to survive in tough conditions. 2 leg knockout playoff<\/span> Despite the busy schedule in February, there were no obstacles to winning the title. <\/p>\n

It will be a tense match in Paris on Wednesday as 6th place PSG host 7th place Newcastle. Both teams have 13 points, and the loser will definitely qualify for the playoffs, but a draw could see both teams qualify for Friday’s draw, which will include all teams from 9th to 24th. <\/p>\n

Barcelona and 11th-placed Manchester City will be looking to add to the table if their rivals drop down the table.<\/p>\n

Barcelona will be hosting Copenhagen, who are in 26th place, while City will be hosting Galatasaray, who is in 17th place with 10 points, and it is likely that they will already have a place in the play-offs.<\/p>\n

Qarabag have 10 points and are heading into a match against fourth-placed Liverpool, who could advance to the last 16 if they only draw. It has already been the most successful season for Azerbaijani clubs in the European Cup and Champions League.<\/p>\n

Napoli risk being the biggest losers on Wednesday. The Italian champions sit on the outside in 25th place in the knockout stage picture before facing Antonio Conte’s old club Chelsea. <\/p>\n

Benfica, who have six points, must beat Jose Mourinho’s former club Real Madrid to stay in the table, while Inter Milan will face Dortmund, who need a win to avoid the play-offs.<\/p>\n

Bodo\/Glimt received 6 points. great win last week<\/span> City and will face 12th place Atletico Madrid.<\/p>\n

___<\/p>\n

AP Soccer: https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/soccer<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n


\n
Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

In Wednesday’s hectic final round of the Champions League opener, there was no way they could win 16-8. All 36 teams will play in 18 matches, kicking off simultaneously at 2000 GMT. tabletop arsenal Second-placed Bayern Munich is guaranteed a top-eight finish and a direct place into the Round of 16. 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