nextbet UCL Matchday 8: Real Madrid, Man City, Bayern Last 16 Qualification Scenario Explained

Manchester City's head coach Pep Guardiola instructs his players during the Champions League match against Juventus. Photo: AP/Luca Bruno Manchester City's head coach Pep Guardiola instructs his players during the Champions League match against Juventus. Photo: AP/Luca Bruno

The final round of the group stage fixtures is upon us in the UEFA Champions League 2024-25 with several top clubs fighting for survival in the new format. (More Football News)

Despite their rich, historical background, reigning champions Real Madrid, Manchester City and Bayern Munich face an uphill task to secure a spot in the knockout phase.

The requirements are clear for Pep Guardiola's side: Anything other than victory over Club Brugge on Wednesday and the 2023 champion are out.

18 games in one night 🤯Wednesday 🍿#UCL pic.twitter.com/OQjiMiwH2G

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) January 27, 2025

Manchester City's Qualification Scenario:

Manchester City, who lifted the UCL trophy back in 2023, find themselves in the 25th spot, two points shy of qualification. With only eight points after seven games, City have left little room for error. They must beat Club Brugge or they are out.

If City lose, it will mark their first early exit from Champions League in 12 years.

Real Madrid Qualification Scenario:

For the holders Real Madrid, qualifying for the round of 16 is not a guarantee and must hope other results go their way for a top-eight finish. Carlo Ancelotti's side must beat Brest by atleast three goals, thus pushing them for a superior goal difference and increasing their chances for a top-eight finish.

To qualify, Real Madrid must hope:

Atalanta lose to Barcelona

Aston Villa drop points to Celtic

Monaco either lose to draw to Inter Milan

Feyenoord and Lille must draw their games

slot machine casino games

Bayern Munich's Qualification Scenario:

However, not everyone from the team flew back home as PR Sreejesh stayed back in the French capital for the closing ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

For Vincent Kompany's side, they find themselves sitting in 15th place, just one point above Real Madrid. With 12 points this season, Bayern have been a mixed-bag in the UCL. Their away defeat to Feyenoord was a shot in the arm in their qualification hopes.

If Bayern's scenario is similar to Real Madrid's, then both sides will have to depend on goal difference as to determine who goes through in the knockout phase.

UEFA Champions League 2024-25 Qualifying Scenarios: Who Have Qualified For The Knockout Phase?

Liverpool FC and FC Barcelona have become the first two sides to officially seal their spot in the last 16 via the automatic berths as they are guaranteed a top eight finish.

Which Teams Can Automatically Qualify For The Last 16 For The Champions League?

Arsenal, Bayer Leverkusen, Aston Villa, Inter Milan, Brest, Lille, Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich,panaloko Atletico Madrid, AC Milan, Atalanta, Juventus, Benfica, Monaco, Sporting Lisbon, Feyenoord, Club Brugge, Real Madrid, Celtic, PSV Eindhoven and Club Brugge - are the teams.

Which Teams Have Been Eliminated From The Champions League?

Young Boys, Slovan Bratislava, Red Bull Salzburg, Sturm Graz, Red Star Belgrade, Girona, RB Leipzig, Sparta Prague and Bologna are eliminated.

Which Teams Cannot Progress Automatically To The Last 16 But Can Still Reach Playoffs?

Benfica, Paris Saint-Germain, Sporting CP, Stuttgartnextbet, Manchester City, Dinamo Zagreb, Shakhtar Donetsk.