2024/25 Champions League Knockout Stages: Teams Qualified So Far

The revamped 2024/25 Champions League has delivered an exhilarating spectacle, with its new 36-team league phase drawing closer to its dramatic conclusion. With one round of fixtures remaining, the scramble to secure spots in the top eight and avoid the play-offs is intensifying. Here’s a breakdown of the teams confirmed for the knockouts and those that have already been eliminated.

Teams Guaranteed a Place in the Last 16

• Barcelona
• Liverpool

Liverpool has been the standout performer in this year’s competition, boasting a perfect record after seven matches. They’ve dominated formidable opponents like Real Madrid, RB Leipzig, and Milan. Barcelona, meanwhile, bounced back from an opening defeat to Monaco to secure six consecutive victories. Their thrilling 5-4 win over Benfica cemented their top-eight spot, with a chance to edge Liverpool for the top position depending on the final results.

Teams Confirmed for the Knockout Rounds but Facing Play-Off Uncertainty

• Arsenal
• Aston Villa
• Atalanta
• Atletico Madrid
• Bayer Leverkusen
• Bayern Munich
• Borussia Dortmund
• Brest
• Celtic
• Feyenoord
• Inter
• Juventus
• Lille
• Milan
• Monaco
• Real Madrid

While these teams have secured their knockout berths, the battle for a direct last-16 spot remains fierce. Arsenal needs to avoid a disastrous result against Girona, and Inter only requires a single point to guarantee a top-eight finish. Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Juventus are guaranteed play-off spots but will need results elsewhere to clinch an automatic place in the last 16.

Celtic, reaching the knockout stage for the first time since 2012/13, will settle for a play-off spot, while Aston Villa sits just outside the top eight in their return to the competition. Brest’s incredible debut campaign has been the feel-good story, while Lille and Monaco have outperformed French champions PSG.

Teams Eliminated from the Competition

• Bologna
• Girona
• RB Leipzig
• Red Star Belgrade
• Salzburg
• Slovan Bratislava
• Sparta Prague
• Sturm Graz
• Young Boys

RB Leipzig has been one of the biggest disappointments, exiting early despite a strong squad. Girona and Bologna failed to bring their impressive domestic form to Europe, while Red Star and Salzburg struggled against the competition’s elite. Young Boys and Slovan Bratislava endured miserable campaigns, with neither side earning a single point after seven matches.

Final Round Drama Awaits

The final Matchday will determine the fate of several high-profile clubs, including reigning champions Manchester City, who face a must-win clash against Club Brugge to secure their play-off place.

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