The UEFA Champions League Matchday 8 is set to be an unforgettable night as all 18 matches kick off simultaneously, bringing high-stakes drama to Europe’s biggest clubs. With qualification spots for the Round of 16 still up for grabs, the final league phase fixtures will determine who qualifies automatically, who enters the knockout-stage playoffs, and who will exit the competition.
From powerhouses like Real Madrid, Manchester City, PSG, and Bayern Munich still fighting for survival to teams like Liverpool, Barcelona, and Arsenal aiming to cement their dominance, this matchday will shape the path to Champions League glory.
Here’s a detailed match-by-match preview, breaking down the key battles, latest standings, and what each team must do to qualify.
Sporting CP vs Bologna
- Current Standings: Sporting CP 23rd (10 points) | Bologna 28th (5 points)
- Qualification Status: Sporting CP must win to qualify | Bologna eliminated
Match Preview:
Sporting CP’s hopes of continuing in the Champions League depend on this fixture. A win guarantees a spot in the knockout-stage playoffs, while a draw or loss could mean elimination depending on other results. Bologna, on the other hand, is already eliminated but will be playing for pride and European ranking points.
Did You Know?
Sporting CP and Bologna last faced off in 1998, with Bologna having the better record (W2 D1 L1).
PSV Eindhoven vs Liverpool
- Current Standings: PSV 19th (11 points) | Liverpool 1st (21 points)
- Qualification Status: PSV needs a win to qualify | Liverpool already in the Round of 16
Match Preview:
PSV kept their knockout stage hopes alive after a dramatic 3-2 win over Crvena Zvezda on Matchday 7. However, they now face a flawless Liverpool, who have won all seven matches in the league phase. A victory for Liverpool secures first place, while PSV must win to guarantee progression.
Did You Know?
Liverpool is unbeaten in six matches (W5 D1) against PSV, with their only loss to a Dutch team coming against Ajax in 1966 (5-1).
Stuttgart vs PSG
- Current Standings: Stuttgart 24th (10 points) | PSG 22nd (10 points)
- Qualification Status: Both teams can still qualify
Match Preview:
This is one of the most pivotal matches of the night, as both Stuttgart and PSG need a win to confirm their place in the knockout phase. PSG comes into this game with momentum after a thrilling 4-2 victory over Manchester City in their last outing. Stuttgart, however, has been solid defensively and will look to frustrate the French giants.
Did You Know?
PSG has played 33 matches against German clubs in UEFA competitions, with a mixed record (W15 D4 L13).
18 games in one night
Everything to play for in the final round #UCL pic.twitter.com/6Xdbft2jxR
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) January 29, 2025
Manchester City vs Club Brugge
- Current Standings: Man City 25th (8 points) | Club Brugge 20th (11 points)
- Qualification Status: Both teams can still qualify
Match Preview:
Manchester City is in serious danger of elimination after going four matches without a win in the league phase. They must win against Club Brugge to stay in the competition. However, Brugge is unbeaten in 20 matches and could cause a major upset.
Did You Know?
Man City scored nine goals in two meetings against Brugge during the 2021/22 Champions League campaign.
Brest vs Real Madrid
- Current Standings: Brest 13th (13 points) | Real Madrid 16th (12 points)
- Qualification Status: Both teams in playoff contention
Match Preview:
Brest has been one of the biggest surprises of this year’s Champions League, sitting above Real Madrid in the standings. However, Madrid will look to assert their dominance and push for a higher playoff seeding. A win could move them into the top 10, while a loss might mean a tougher playoff draw.
Did You Know?
This is Real Madrid’s 38th match against French opposition in UEFA competitions. Their record: W20 D7 L10.
Inter Milan vs Monaco
- Current Standings: Inter Milan 4th (16 points) | Monaco 10th (13 points)
- Qualification Status: Both teams already secured playoff or Round of 16 spots
Match Preview:
Inter Milan has been one of the most dominant teams this season, conceding just one goal in seven matches. Monaco, however, is still fighting for a top-eight finish and will need a win to secure direct qualification.
Did You Know?
Inter Milan has won three of their four previous encounters with Monaco in UEFA competition.
READ NEXT:
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- Real Now Close to Top Form, Claims Ancelotti Ahead of Brest Clash
- UEFA Champions League Matchday 8: Full Match Previews, Predictions & Betting Tips
Barcelona vs Atalanta
- Current Standings: Barcelona 2nd (18 points) | Atalanta 7th (14 points)
- Qualification Status: Barcelona secured Round of 16 | Atalanta fighting for a top-eight finish
Match Preview:
Barcelona’s 5-4 victory over Benfica on Matchday 7 was one of the most exciting matches of the season. Atalanta has been scoring freely, with 15 goals in their last four matches, making this a must-watch encounter.
Did You Know?
Barcelona has played 67 UEFA matches against Italian teams, with an impressive record (W32 D21 L13).
Juventus vs Benfica
- Current Standings: Juventus 17th (12 points) | Benfica 21st (10 points)
- Qualification Status: Juventus secured a playoff spot | Benfica must win to qualify
Match Preview:
Benfica must win to qualify, while Juventus will look to finish strong. This will be a tight, tactical battle, with both sides needing to be at their best.
Did You Know?
Benfica has a 100% record (W4) against Juventus in UEFA competitions.
What’s Next?
Teams finishing in 9th to 24th place will enter the knockout-stage playoffs. The draw takes place on January 31, and the two-legged ties will be played on February 11-12 and 18-19.
The 2025 UEFA Champions League final will be held at Munich’s Fußball Arena on May 31, 2025.
Stay tuned for all the latest Champions League action and don’t miss the final group stage drama! 
