Champions League group phase finale: Who has qualified, who is in the play-offs and who might be eliminated?
Champions League group phase finale: Who has qualified, who is in the play-offs and who might be eliminated?
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Everything you need to know ahead of the final round of matches in the competition’s group phase. The final round of matches in the Champions League’s league phase take place on Wednesday evening, as several clubs wait to learn their fate in the competition.
![[A win over Celtic would give Aston Villa a great chance of making the last 16 automatically]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2025/01/27/15/36/GettyImages-2176367719.jpeg)
Only two of the 36 sides in the tournament are certain of progressing into the last 16 automatically, with a further nine having already been eliminated. This leaves 25 sides battling for either automatic qualification or a place in the play-off round, which takes places in February.
![[Real Madrid are one of the sides between 9th and 18th, all of whom are guaranteed at least a place in the play-offs]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2025/01/27/15/19/GettyImages-2195356614.jpeg)
Among them are Manchester City, who start the day outside of the play-off places, and Aston Villa, who face Celtic with both eyeing an automatic qualification place. All 18 matches kick-off at 8pm GMT on Wednesday, ensuring that fans are in for a rollercoaster evening as the competition’s inaugural league phase comes to an end. Here’s everything you need to know:.
![[City's 4-2 loss to PSG means they sit two points adrift of the play-off places]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2025/01/27/15/47/GettyImages-2195361674.jpeg)
Only two sides have guaranteed themselves a place in the last 16 of the competition. League phase leaders Liverpool have won every match of their campaign so far, and they will finish top of the table if they avoid defeat to PSV. Barcelona are the other side who have secured a place in the round of 16, with their dramatic 5-4 win over Benfica meaning they will likely finish second.
The first legs of the last-16 ties are due to be be played on 4 & 5 March. Arsenal sit in third in the league phase table and they are essentially guaranteed an automatic place in the last 16. They are only three points above the teams in ninth to 13th, but they have a superior goal difference of between seven and 11 goals on those sides.
