For Borussia Dortmund it’s about winning the group, for opponents PSG it’s about overwintering in the Champions League. Things are still very exciting in Porto too. Union Berlin is playing for the Europa League.
The – at least for now – the last group match day in the history of the Champions League. Starting next season, 36 teams in the league system will play for a lot of money and a trophy.
Some constellations prove the reformers right that the tension is often gone early on in the group phase. But there are also some games that have it all.
Group A:
FC Bayern have long been confirmed as group winners, but we will still be looking closely at what the German champions are doing Manchester United not only because of the possible repercussions of the 1:5 defeat in the Bundesliga at Eintracht Frankfurt. United only has a chance of staying in the Champions League if they win against Bayern. But then the English will still have to rely on FC Copenhagen and Galatasaray to draw, as they did in the first leg. If there is a winner in this duel, he will move into the round of 16. In the event of a draw in Copenhagen and if Manchester does not win against Bayern, the Danes will advance on goal difference.
Group B:
RC Lens As third in the group, it is only three points behind the second place PSV Eindhoven, but can no longer make up for this in the game against Sevilla FC because the direct comparison was lost. The Spaniards still have the chance to move up to third place and thus continue playing in the Europa League that they love so much. The Arsenal FC is determined as group winner.
Group C:
The end of the Champions League is certain, but there is still a small chance for 1. FC Union Berlin to reach third place and thus the playoffs against a group runner-up in the Europa League. To do this, the team from Köpenick not only needs a win against group winners Real Madrid, but also support from Naples. SSC then needs to win against Sporting Braga to help Union reach third place. The Italians can’t take it easy, because a defeat by at least two goals would mean that the Portuguese would overtake them and advance to the Champions League as second in the group.
Group D:
The duel between the teams from Inter Milan and Real Sociedad with the same points is about winning the group. Both are further along. Benfica, under German coach Roger Schmidt, has to win by at least two goals at FC Salzburg, as it is known in international competition, to finish in third place.
Group E:
One point is enough for Atlético Madrid to defend their lead against Lazio, who have also already qualified for the round of 16. Feyenoord is third in the group, Celtic are out with just one point so far.
Group F:
Borussia Dortmund are already through, but still need a point against Paris Saint Germainto secure group victory. A draw would be enough for the French champions for second place if the duel between Newcastle United and AC Milan also draw or Milan win. The troubled club would win Premier League, were PSG eliminated after the group phase. Even in the event of a defeat, Paris would remain in the Champions League if there was a draw in the parallel game.
Group G:
Everything is already clear in Group G. RB Leipzig is behind Manchester City Become second. The Young Boys Bern, who will play in Saxony on the last match day, will definitely come third because, if there is a possible tie on points, they will be in a better position in a direct comparison with Red Star from Belgrade.
Group H:
FC Porto and Shakhtar Donetsk play in a direct duel as the second team to advance apart from FC Barcelona. If the game in Portugal ends in a draw, Porto will move into the round of 16. Theoretically, Donetsk could even win the group, but to do that the Ukrainians would have to make up a few goals on FC Barcelona, who are also playing at bottom club Royal Antwerp with no points.