FC Barcelona’s epic victory at the Estádio da Luz over Benfica (4-5) allowed them to win their sixth consecutive European game. However, Liverpool are leading the table, having won all seven of their games and have 21 points. A win for the Blaugrana and a defeat by Lille would have caused a change at the top of the table, but that was not the case. Arne Slot’s team triumphed at home against the visit of ‘Les Dogues’ (2-1) and maintains its place.
As the first and second have won, the number one spot will still be up for grabs on the last day of the Champions League league phase. The British team will visit Eindhoven to face PSV, who will seek to win to ensure they make it to the play-off for the round of 16. On the other hand, the Blaugranas will play at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys against Atalantawho will also try to secure their place, in this case, among the top eight.
What has to happen for Barça to be the leader?
This new Champions League format means that on the last matchday almost all the teams have something at stake, except those mathematically eliminatedwhich are from 28th to 36th. Thus, to avoid speculation and to ensure maximum performance, all the matches will be played simultaneously on Wednesday 29 January at 9:00 p.m.
FC Barcelona will try to finish the phase as leader of the standings. They already have access to the round of 16 assured. In fact, the worst that could happen is to finish third if they lose and Atlético win away to Salzburg. This possibility is also very remote, as goal difference is the criterion that will govern in the event of a tie in points and the Blaugranas are 10 points ahead of the Colchoneros. Therefore, the most likely scenario is that the team managed by Hansi Flick will end up in second or first place.
-For Barça to end up as the top seed, the most important thing is that they beat Atalanta. Neither a draw nor, logically, a defeat would make up for the 3-point difference with Liverpool. The next step is for PSV to beat the English team. A draw would allow the ‘reds’ to finish the league as leaders and, probably, for their rivals to certify their qualification for the next phase. A complex sporting context, but mathematically feasible.
Belgium
