The new format Champions League arrived halfway through the League phase, Wednesday November 6, after four matches played. In this major championship of 36 teams, where the first eight are directly qualified for the final phase (those finishing between 9th and 24th places will be play-offs), this ranking is expected to still move a lot but trends are already emerging. Overview of the forces present at mid-term.
They are off to a good start: Brest, Monaco and Liverpool
Three victories, including one against Barcelona, and a draw. Undefeated at mid-term, Monaco is on the provisional podium out of the 36 teams in the ranking (3rd). A prestigious success that Adi Hütter's men were able to confirm against teams of a lower caliber, with victories against Red Star Belgrade and Bologna. With a total of ten points, the Principality's players have almost assured their qualification for the final phase. However, the program promises to be tough with Benfica, Arsenal, Aston Villa and Inter Milan to conclude.
But the real sensation mid-campaign remains Brest. With the same record as Monaco, the Breton club (4th) is the huge surprise of this half of the course, notably with a draw against Bayer Leverkusen, reigning German champion. But nothing is done because the Finisterians will have to come up against FC Barcelona and Real Madrid in particular.
Among the favorites, it was Liverpool (1st) who made the strongest impression with four victories and only one goal conceded. Sporting Portugal (2nd) from the untenable Victor Gyökeres (five goals) was not expected at such a celebration. Manchester City (10th) remains well placed but has already conceded a defeat and a draw.
They are on waivers for the play-offs: Lille, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich
Third French club involved, Lille (14th) is doing almost as well as Brest and Monaco. The Mastiffs conceded a defeat (against Sporting Portugal) but also achieved the feat of this first part by bringing down Real Madrid, just before continuing against the other Madrid club, Atlético. With an affordable schedule (Bologna, Sturm Graz, Feyenoord) and a big shock (Liverpool), Lille may have already done the hard part.
Real Madrid (18th) has nothing to do with the title holders, with two victories and two defeats. But the Merengues should at least be play-offs with only Liverpool as the leader on their road to the final phase. Another sleeping ogre: Bayern Munich (17th) is purring in C1 but remains in ambush, just like AC Milan (20th).
They are off to a bad start: PSG and Atlético de Madrid
The most consistent French club in the Champions League, PSG (25th) is going through a very bad patch. Halfway through, the Parisian club is quite simply the first club virtually eliminated after a victory, a draw and two defeats. His defeat in stoppage time against Atlético, when he could have killed the match several times, symbolizes his clumsy campaign.
With only three goals scored in four matches, Paris is only one point from the play-offs but already five of the eight direct qualifiers. Will the Parisians be able to have a breakthrough in the game in time, as Bayern Munich and Manchester City arrive on the program?
Opponent of Paris on Wednesday, Atlético de Madrid is barely better (23rd) and also sees its chances of qualification compromised. But apart from these two clubs, no big name is doing worse. This shows that the path to the final phase promises to be difficult.
