Sports
Champions League Drama: Manchester City Faces Elimination Threat
PARIS, France — With just two rounds remaining in the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League league phase, Manchester City‘s qualification hopes hang in the balance. The English giants sit just one point above the elimination zone ahead of a crucial clash against Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday, January 22.
Liverpool, Arsenal, and Aston Villa are currently in the top eight, securing their spots in the last 16. However, the focus is also on the coefficient rankings, which determine the allocation of extra Champions League spots for the 2025/26 season. The Premier League is in a strong position, with a 97.8% chance of securing an additional place, according to recent analysis.
Manchester City’s precarious situation could have significant implications. Pep Guardiola‘s side has won only two of their six league phase matches and faces a tough final stretch against PSG and Club Brugge. A failure to advance would not only be a blow to City but could also impact the Premier League’s coefficient standing.
UEFA’s coefficient system rewards teams for wins, draws, and progression in European competitions. England currently leads the rankings, bolstered by Liverpool’s perfect Champions League record and Chelsea‘s dominance in the Conference League. However, City’s potential exit could weaken the Premier League’s position.
“The association club coefficient or country rankings take into account the results of all clubs from each association,” UEFA stated. “These rankings determine the number of entries an association is granted for forthcoming seasons.”
If the Premier League secures an extra Champions League spot, it would go to the team finishing fifth in the league. Currently, Newcastle holds that position, with Chelsea and Bournemouth close behind. A fifth spot would also shift Europa League and Conference League qualification places down the table.
City’s struggles have been a surprise this season. Despite returning to the top four in the Premier League, they have failed to replicate their usual dominance in Europe. Guardiola acknowledged the challenges of the new format, saying, “This new format, I don’t know how you handle it or how many points you need.”
Meanwhile, Liverpool and Arsenal have been standout performers. Liverpool has already secured their place in the last 16, while Arsenal and Aston Villa are well-positioned to advance. Manchester United and Tottenham are also in strong positions, ensuring England’s representation in the knockout stages remains robust.
As the league phase reaches its climax, the stakes are higher than ever. With multiple teams vying for qualification and coefficient points, the final rounds promise drama and unpredictability. For Manchester City, the margin for error is razor-thin, and their fate could hinge on their performance in Paris.