The 2023/24 UEFA Champions League is up in earnest as the race to secure a spot in the round of 16 heats up.
So far, all teams have played four matches, and some have already secured their place in the competition’s knockout stage. The group stage matches will end in December, with 16 teams proceeding to the knockout stage.
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Teams That Have Already Qualified
Last season’s treble winners, Manchester City, have already secured a place in the next phase of the competition after a perfect start in Group G. Other teams that have made it to the next round include RB Leipzig (Group G), Bayern Munich (Group A), Real Madrid (Group C), Real Sociedad (Group D) and Inter Milan (Group D).
On the other hand, Napoli seems comfortable in the second place of Group C with seven points. But, with three points and two matches remaining, Braga and Union Berlin could still mathematically make it to the next round.
Groups Still Open
Some groups remain open, meaning almost all teams can make it to the next round. Let’s take a closer look:
Group B
Remaining Fixtures:
- PSV vs. Sevilla
- Arsenal vs. Lens
- Lens vs. Sevilla
- PSV vs. Arsenal
Arsenal will secure a place in the next round if they win against Lens at the Emirates. On the flip side, if PSV see off Sevilla and Lens lose to Arsenal, they’ll have an upper hand in the qualification.
Based on the current form, it seems likely that the battle for the second spot could be between PSV and Lens.
Group A is interesting as Copenhagen, Galatasaray, and Manchester United can all secure the remaining spot in the group. This group will give sports fans a tough time to predict. But those who think they can guess the outcome can check out this New Zealand sign-up offer.
Group E
Remaining Fixtures:
- Lazio vs. Celtic
- Feyenoord vs. Atletico de Madrid
- Atletico de Madrid vs. Lazio
- Celtic vs. Feyenoord
Atleti, Lazio, and Feyenoord can all top the group or settle for a second spot. Nine points are usually enough to book a spot in the next round. However, Atleti and Lazio need one win for this group to make it to the next round.
On the other hand, Feyenoord must win at home against Diego Simone’s men and beat Celtic away. That seems like a tall order. In this regard, Atletico de Madrid and Lazio are favourites.
Group F
Remaining Fixtures:
- PSG vs. Newcastle
- AC Milan vs. Dortmund
- Dortmund vs. Paris
- Newcastle vs. AC Milan
When you look at the form guide and remaining fixtures, the battle for the round of 16 in this group is between Dortmund, PSG, and AC Milan. With one win against Newcastle, PSG can secure their place in the round of 16.
Despite being top of the group, Dortmund has tough remaining fixtures that could work against them should they lose to AC Milan on their trip to Italy. Eddie Howe’s men can only fight for a Europa League spot.
Group H
Remaining Fixtures:
- Shakhtar Donetsk vs. Antwerp
- Barcelona vs. FC Porto
- FC Porto vs. Shakhtar Donetsk
- Antwerp vs. Barcelona
The race for the two rounds of 16 spots in this group seems to favour Barcelona and FC Porto.
However, the face-off between Barca and FC Porto at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys could decide who tops the group. Shakhtar Donetsk have already proven they can beat anyone. Therefore, football fans are in for a real treat!
