Champions League Table After Matchday 7

The 2024/25 Champions League group stage has reached a thrilling juncture as Matchday 7 comes to a close. While Liverpool and Barcelona have sealed their places in the knockout phase, several giants like Manchester City are dangerously close to elimination. Here’s how the table stands and what lies ahead for Matchday 8.

Champions League Top 8: Who’s Secured Automatic Qualification?

The top eight teams will bypass the playoff round and advance directly to the knockout stages. Let’s take a closer look at the current standings:

Teams That Stand Out

1. Liverpool (21 Points, +13 GD)
   Arne Slot’s Liverpool has been flawless, winning all seven matches. They’re the only team with a perfect record.
2. Barcelona (18 Points, +15 GD)
   Xavi’s Barcelona has delivered dominant performances, with their 5-4 thriller against Benfica as a standout match of the season.
3. Arsenal (16 Points, +12 GD)
   Arsenal remains in a strong position after a 3-0 win over Dinamo Zagreb. They need just one more positive result against Girona to secure their top-eight finish.
4. Italian Powerhouses
   Inter, AC Milan, and Atalanta all make the top eight, highlighting Serie A’s strong presence in this year’s competition.
5. Atletico Madrid (15 Points, +5 GD)
   Diego Simeone’s squad has clawed its way into the automatic qualification zone after consistent results.

The Mid-Table Playoff Race

Teams ranked 9th to 24th will compete in a two-legged playoff round for a spot in the last 16.

Key Contenders

• Aston Villa (13 Points, +5 GD): A standout performance for Villa, who are punching above their weight.
• Real Madrid (12 Points, +5 GD): After a rough start, their 5-0 demolition of RB Salzburg has revived their hopes.
• PSG (10 Points, +2 GD): A comeback win over Manchester City has kept them alive, but a result is needed against Stuttgart on Matchday 8.

Manchester City’s Collapse

The reigning Premier League champions have hit rock bottom. Manchester City finds themselves in 25th place, needing a must-win result against Club Brugge on Matchday 8 to avoid early elimination.

City’s defensive frailties and inability to close out matches have haunted them throughout the group stage. Their 4-2 collapse against PSG, after leading 2-0, has left Guardiola’s men staring at a potential Champions League exit in the first phase.

Eliminated Teams

The bottom 12 teams have already been eliminated, including:

• Dinamo Zagreb and Shakhtar Donetsk: Their poor performances leave them far from playoff contention.
• Young Boys and Slovan Bratislava: Both teams have suffered seven consecutive defeats.
• RB Salzburg: A -19 goal difference speaks volumes about their struggles.

Final Matchday Drama: What’s at Stake?

As we approach Matchday 8, here’s what you need to know:

• PSG and Manchester City: Both must win to secure a playoff spot. City faces Club Brugge, while PSG travels to Stuttgart.
• Real Madrid’s Chase: The Spanish giants need another big win to climb into the top eight.
• Arsenal’s Comfort Zone: A single point against Girona ensures their top-eight position.

The playoff spots are far from decided, with mid-table teams like Dortmund, Bayern Munich, and Juventus all within striking distance.

Fan Interaction

What are your thoughts on the current Champions League table? Will Manchester City make it through? Can PSG avoid slipping out? Share your predictions in the comments below and join the discussion!