
The 2024/25 Champions League is rapidly approaching the knockout phase, with the seventh round of fixtures offering a clearer picture of the teams destined for further glory. With just one round of matches remaining in the group stage, only two clubs have secured a top-eight finish, while others face uncertainty or elimination. Notably, Manchester City’s perilous position has left fans and pundits alike in disbelief.
Liverpool and Barcelona Secure Knockout Spots
A Perfect Campaign for Liverpool
Arne Slot’s Liverpool have been nothing short of dominant this season, winning all seven of their matches in the group stage. With their latest victory, the Reds are firmly seated at the top of the table and guaranteed a spot in the knockout rounds. Their impressive run has included emphatic wins over various opponents, while Young Boys and Slovan Bratislava languish at the bottom with no wins to their name.
Barcelona Impress Once Again
Barcelona have also clinched their spot in the knockout stages with six wins out of seven matches. One of their standout performances came in an exhilarating 5-4 away win against Benfica, showcasing their attacking prowess. Xavi’s side has been consistent throughout the campaign, and their form suggests they will be a force to reckon with as the competition progresses.
Arsenal Poised to Advance
A Comfortable Position
Arsenal’s commanding 3-0 win over Dinamo Zagreb has all but secured their place in the top eight. The Gunners’ position is strong enough that only a catastrophic performance against Girona in the final matchday, coupled with unfavorable results elsewhere, could jeopardize their progression. Mikel Arteta’s team has shown resilience and consistency, and they are well-placed to advance comfortably.
Real Madrid Eye Top Eight
A Resounding Comeback
Real Madrid delivered a statement performance on matchday seven, thrashing RB Salzburg 5-0. This result has significantly bolstered their chances of breaking into the top eight. While their path is not yet assured, Carlo Ancelotti’s side will look to capitalize on their momentum in the final round of fixtures to secure a direct route to the knockout phase.
Manchester City’s Dire Situation
A Shocking Collapse
In stark contrast to their usual dominance, Manchester City find themselves in a precarious position. Pep Guardiola’s team appeared to be in control against Paris Saint-Germain, leading 2-0 at one point. However, a stunning collapse saw them lose 4-2, leaving the Premier League champions in 25th place. To avoid elimination, City must beat Club Brugge on matchday eight, a challenge given their current form and defensive frailties.
Positive Developments for Inter, Milan, and Atletico Madrid
Climbing the Rankings
Inter, Milan, and Atletico Madrid all enjoyed successful outings on matchday seven, propelling themselves into the top eight. These clubs are now well-positioned to skip the playoff round, which pits teams finishing between 9th and 24th against each other in a two-legged tie for a place in the last 16. Their performances highlight the competitive nature of this year’s Champions League.
The Road Ahead
As the group stage draws to a close, the final matchday promises high-stakes drama. Teams like Liverpool and Barcelona can afford to breathe easy, but for clubs like Manchester City, the pressure is immense. With playoff spots and knockout stage berths on the line, every match will carry significant weight. Football fans worldwide eagerly await the conclusion of this thrilling phase of the competition. Champions League table after Matchday 7
- READ ABOUT HOW THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE TABLE WORKS
- Q – qualified for the knockout rounds
- E – eliminated from the competition
Current Top 8 (Automatically qualify for knockout rounds)

Rank/Club | Points | Goal difference |
---|---|---|
1. Liverpool (Q) | 21 | +13 |
2. Barcelona (Q) | 18 | +15 |
3. Arsenal | 16 | +12 |
4. Inter | 16 | +7 |
5. Atletico Madrid | 15 | +5 |
6. AC Milan | 15 | +4 |
7. Atalanta | 14 | +14 |
8. Bayer Leverkusen | 13 | +6 |
Current 9th to 24th (Entry into playoff round)
Rank/Club | Points | Goal Difference |
---|---|---|
9. Aston Villa | 13 | +5 |
10. Monaco | 13 | +3 |
11. Feyenoord | 13 | +2 |
12. LOSC Lille | 13 | +2 |
13. Brest | 13 | +2 |
14. Borussia Dortmund | 12 | +8 |
15. Bayern Munich | 12 | +6 |
16. Real Madrid | 12 | +5 |
17. Juventus | 12 | +4 |
18. Celtic | 12 | +1 |
19. PSV Eindhoven | 11 | +3 |
20. Club Brugge | 11 | -2 |
21. Benfica | 10 | +2 |
22. PSG | 10 | +2 |
23. Sporting CP | 10 | +1 |
24. VfB Stuttgart | 10 | -1 |
Current Bottom 12 (Eliminated from the Champions League)
Rank / Team | Points | Goal Difference |
---|---|---|
25. Manchester City | 8 | +2 |
26. Dinamo Zagreb | 8 | -8 |
27. Shakhtar Donetsk | 7 | -6 |
28. Bologna (E) | 5 | -5 |
29. Sparta Prague (E) | 4 | -12 |
30. RB Leipzig (E) | 3 | -6 |
31. Girona (E) | 3 | -7 |
32. Crvena zvezda (E) | 3 | -10 |
33. Sturm Graz (E) | 3 | -10 |
34. RB Salzburg (E) | 3 | -19 |
35. Slovan Bratislava (E) | 0 | -18 |
36. Young Boys (E) | 0 | -20 |