How many teams qualify for the Champions League knockouts and how many games are left?
Share:
Fans are still getting used to the new Champions League format, with the group stage nearing an end and the knockout phase beginning next month. 36 teams have been playing in the group stage as they battle it out to be one of the 24 teams still alive when the knockouts begin.
![[Liverpool FC v LOSC Lille - UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD7]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GettyImages-2195249551.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
Liverpool have been the standout side so far, with Arne Slot’s men the only team to boast seven wins from seven outings. Their place in the last 16 of the competition is already secured, but there is still a serious scrap on between a lot of clubs to join them.
![[SL Benfica vs Barcelona - UEFA Champions League]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GettyImages-2194583712.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
Arsenal are still on course to finish in the all important top eight places, while Aston Villa are in contention, but must finish with a win. The top eight is where you ideally want to finish in the group stage as that books a spot in the last 16 of the competition, but 16 more clubs will still have hopes of surviving.
Here’s everything you need to know, including how many teams qualify and how many games are left in the league phase. The top eight teams at the end of the group stage go straight into the last 16. The sides ranked 9-24 at the end of the group stage go into the knockout phase play-offs, with the eight winners progressing to the last 16 phase.
Liverpool and Barcelona have already secured their places in the last 16 of the Champions League with a game to spare. Atalanta, Atletico Madrid, Arsenal, Bayer Leverkusen, Inter Milan, Aston Villa, Brest, Monaco and Lille are already guaranteed to make it to the play-offs at least, but will hope to finish in the top eight.
