The UEFA Champions League league phase is heating up as Matchday 7 concludes, with Liverpool continuing their perfect run, Arsenal edging closer to the Round of 16, and Manchester City struggling to keep their hopes alive. With one round of fixtures remaining, the stakes are higher than ever as teams jostle for top-eight spots and knockout stage play-off positions.
Liverpool: The Undisputed Leaders
Liverpool are the standout team in the revamped Champions League league phase. Under Arne Slot’s guidance, the Reds have stormed to seven consecutive wins, making them the only team with a 100% record in the competition. Their victories include triumphs over some of Europe’s heavyweights, such as AC Milan, Real Madrid, and Bayer Leverkusen.
Their latest win, a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Lille, was a testament to their resilience. Mohamed Salah opened the scoring, securing his 50th European goal for Liverpool, while a deflected Harvey Elliott strike sealed the deal. With 21 points and an unassailable lead, Liverpool are guaranteed a top-eight finish and a direct path to the Round of 16. They’ll aim to finish the league phase in style when they face PSV Eindhoven next week.
Arsenal on the Brink of Last 16 Qualification
Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Dinamo Zagreb at the Emirates Stadium has all but secured their place in the Champions League Round of 16. Mikel Arteta’s side delivered a dominant performance, with Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, and Martin Odegaard all finding the net. Rice’s goal, struck just 106 seconds into the game, set the tone for a commanding display.
With 16 points from seven matches, Arsenal sit comfortably in third place. A point in their final fixture against Girona will guarantee their top-eight finish, but even a defeat could see them through due to their superior goal difference. The Gunners are chasing their first Champions League title, and their consistent form in the league phase is a promising sign.
Manchester City and PSG on the Edge
Two European giants, Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain, are in danger of crashing out of the competition. Manchester City currently sit 25th with just eight points after a disappointing 3-2 loss to PSG at the Parc des Princes. Despite early wins against weaker opponents like Slovan Bratislava and Sparta Prague, Pep Guardiola’s side has struggled to find consistency in the league phase. City now face a must-win clash against Club Brugge to keep their Champions League hopes alive.
PSG, meanwhile, occupy 22nd place with 10 points, teetering on the edge of elimination. Luis Enrique’s side has only managed two wins in their seven matches, with defeats to Arsenal, Atletico Madrid, and Bayern Munich leaving them in a precarious position. Their final match against Real Madrid is a high-stakes encounter that will determine their fate.
Aston Villa and Celtic Secure Play-Off Spots
Unai Emery’s Aston Villa remain in the hunt for a top-eight finish despite a narrow 1-0 defeat to Monaco on Tuesday. Sitting ninth with 13 points, Villa will need to beat Celtic in their final game to keep their automatic qualification hopes alive. Celtic, on the other hand, have already secured a play-off spot following their 1-0 win over Young Boys. Brendan Rodgers’ side is aiming to reach the knockout stage for the first time in 12 years, and their current form suggests they are capable of achieving that milestone.
The Race for the Top Eight
The fight for the top-eight spots is as intense as ever. Liverpool and Barcelona have already secured their places, while Arsenal, Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid, AC Milan, Atalanta, and Bayer Leverkusen currently occupy the remaining positions. However, the likes of Aston Villa, Monaco, Feyenoord, and Lille are all within striking distance, making the final round of fixtures a must-watch.
Several teams, including Young Boys, Slovan Bratislava, Bologna, and RB Leipzig, have been eliminated from the competition. Young Boys remain winless at the bottom of the table, while Slovan Bratislava have also failed to secure a single point.
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Looking Ahead to Matchday 8
The final round of fixtures promises plenty of drama and excitement as teams fight for survival and glory. Key matches to watch include:
- Liverpool vs. PSV Eindhoven: Can Liverpool maintain their perfect record?
- PSG vs. Real Madrid: A make-or-break game for both sides.
- Arsenal vs. Girona: Arsenal need a point to confirm their spot in the top eight.
- Manchester City vs. Club Brugge: Guardiola’s side must win to stay alive.
- Atletico Madrid vs. Salzburg: Simeone’s men aim to solidify their top-eight finish.
Current Standings (Top and Bottom Highlights)
- Liverpool – 21 points
- Barcelona – 18 points
- Arsenal – 16 points
- Inter Milan – 16 points
- Atletico Madrid – 15 points
- AC Milan – 15 points
- Atalanta – 14 points
- Bayer Leverkusen – 13 points
- Manchester City – 8 points
- RB Leipzig – 3 points
- Young Boys – 0 points
One matchday to go! #UCL pic.twitter.com/jEYfEM9kTC
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) January 22, 2025
As Matchday 8 looms, fans can expect thrilling encounters and decisive moments that will shape the Champions League knockout stages. Will Manchester City and PSG stage miraculous comebacks? Can Arsenal secure their top-eight finish? And will Liverpool end the league phase unbeaten? The answers will unfold in an unmissable final round of fixtures.