The final week of the league phase has arrived, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. For several English clubs, their Champions League journeys hang in the balance, poised on a knife’s edge between direct qualification and a perilous playoff route.
Arsenal, however, stand apart. Already crowned league leaders with a perfect record, Mikel Arteta’s squad has secured a top-two finish and the advantage of playing the second leg of their knockout ties on home turf. A single point against Kairat Almaty on Wednesday will cement their position atop the table.
Liverpool’s fate is more delicately balanced. A crucial away victory last week has given Arne Slot’s team control of their destiny. A win against Qarabag at Anfield guarantees a spot in the top eight, avoiding the playoff gauntlet. A draw *should* suffice, but they’ll be watching the results of Barcelona, Sporting CP, and City with intense scrutiny, as goal difference could prove decisive.
Tottenham, under new leadership, find European competition a welcome distraction from domestic struggles. A recent win against Borussia Dortmund has placed them fifth, just ahead of a cluster of teams vying for a top-eight berth. Their trip to face an already-eliminated Eintracht Frankfurt is a must-win; a draw leaves them vulnerable, and another loss could spell playoff football.
Newcastle face the most daunting challenge. They travel to Paris to face the defending champions, PSG, with both teams locked on 13 points and a +10 goal difference. That superior goal difference gives Newcastle a slight edge – a win would almost certainly secure qualification. A draw or loss, however, throws their fate into the hands of others, requiring favorable results elsewhere.
Chelsea, enjoying a solid start under their new manager, currently occupy the final automatic qualification spot. A one-goal advantage in goal difference over Barcelona and Sporting, and a two-goal lead over City, provides a small cushion. A win against Napoli should be enough, especially with PSG and Newcastle facing each other. But a draw or defeat could easily send them tumbling into the playoffs.
Manchester City’s situation is the most precarious. A stunning defeat last week has thrown their top-eight aspirations into serious doubt. Guardiola’s side now needs a significant victory against Galatasaray, coupled with dropped points from multiple teams above them, to avoid the playoffs. The odds are stacked against them.
Looking ahead, the Champions League knockout phase is scheduled to begin with playoff matches on February 17th and 18th, followed by the 24th and 25th of February in 2026. The Round of 16 will commence on March 10th and 11th, continuing on the 17th and 18th. The Quarter-finals are set for April 7th and 8th, and then the 14th and 15th. The Semi-finals will be played on April 28th and 29th, and May 5th and 6th, culminating in the Final on May 30th, 2026.
