Champions League Drama: Liverpool, Barcelona Lead as Knockout Races Heat Up

MADRID, Spain — The UEFA Champions League’s new 36-team league phase is reaching its climax, with Liverpool and Barcelona leading the charge for direct qualification to the round of 16. As the penultimate matchday unfolds, the stakes are higher than ever, with several top clubs, including Real Madrid and Manchester City, fighting to avoid early elimination.

Under the revamped format, the top eight teams will advance directly to the round of 16, while those ranked ninth to 24th will enter a knockout playoff round in February. Teams finishing 25th to 36th will be eliminated. Liverpool and Barcelona are the only clubs assured of progressing, but their final positions remain uncertain.

Liverpool, with a perfect six wins in six matches, face Lille at home on Tuesday. A win or draw would secure their place in the top eight. Barcelona, meanwhile, travel to Benfica, needing a victory to solidify their position. Both clubs are in strong form, but the unpredictable nature of the league phase has left even giants like Real Madrid and Manchester City vulnerable.

“The new seeding system means the highest-placed teams can’t face each other until the latter stages,” said a UEFA spokesperson. “This adds a layer of strategy to the final matches, as teams aim to avoid tougher opponents in the early knockout rounds.”

Manchester City, winners of the 2023 Champions League, are in 22nd place and must secure points against Paris Saint-Germain to stay in contention. Real Madrid, currently 20th, host FC Salzburg in a must-win match. PSG, finalists in 2020, are also in danger, sitting outside the top 24 with just seven points.

The league phase has seen unexpected twists, with Lille and Atalanta emerging as surprise contenders for the top eight. Lille, who stunned Real Madrid earlier in the campaign, face a tough test against Liverpool. Atalanta, meanwhile, must win at Camp Nou to keep their hopes alive.

With 19 points guaranteeing a top-eight finish, the final matchdays promise high drama. “Every goal matters,” said Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp. “We’re focused on finishing strong and securing our place in the next round.”

The knockout playoff round draw will take place on January 31, with the first legs scheduled for February 11-12, 2025. The round of 16 draw follows on February 21, setting the stage for the tournament’s decisive phase.