The Champions League reaches a decisive point later tonight, with several heavyweight clubs staring at possible elimination as the league phase draws to a close across Europe.
Ajax, Napoli and Benfica all head into the final round knowing there is little room for error. Ajax sit 32nd in the 36-team table with six points and only a slim hope of survival. The Dutch side must beat Olympiakos at home and rely on results elsewhere to keep their campaign alive.
Napoli are also under pressure. The Italian outfit are 25th with eight points and just outside the qualification places. They host Chelsea in what promises to be one of the night’s most finely balanced fixtures, with both sides needing a strong result.
Benfica, managed by Jose Mourinho, occupy 29th place and face a daunting task against Real Madrid. Victory is the only outcome that would lift the Portuguese club into the qualification zone.
Under the competition format, the top eight teams advance directly to the last 16. Clubs placed from ninth to 24th will play a two-legged play-off for the remaining knockout spots, while the bottom 12 teams are eliminated. So far, only Kairat Almaty, Eintracht Frankfurt, Villarreal and Slavia Prague are officially out.
Attention will also be firmly on the Premier League, where all six English representatives still have a route into the knockout stages.
Arsenal are on the brink of topping the table after a flawless run so far. Mikel Arteta’s side host Kairat Almaty and require only a draw to secure first place.
Liverpool sit fourth with 15 points as they welcome Qarabag to Anfield. A win would guarantee a top-eight finish, but a draw could prove risky with eight teams close behind on 13 points, potentially pushing the Reds into the play-offs.
Tottenham are fifth with 14 points and travel to Eintracht Frankfurt. Victory in Germany would seal a place in the last 16, while a draw may leave them vulnerable with several sides still capable of overtaking them.
Newcastle’s prospects were boosted by last week’s 3-0 win over PSV. Eddie Howe’s men now face holders Paris Saint-Germain. A win would confirm their progress, while even a draw could be enough thanks to their healthy goal difference.
Chelsea occupy the final automatic qualification spot on 13 points but face a stern test away to Napoli. The Blues need to win to strengthen their hopes, though even three points may not guarantee safety. A draw would open the door for chasing sides, including Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, who both have favourable home fixtures.
Manchester City, meanwhile, have work to do. Pep Guardiola’s side must beat Galatasaray at home to have a realistic chance of finishing in the top eight. A draw is unlikely to be sufficient, with eight teams level on points and five of them currently ahead of City on goal difference.
