It’s a night of high stakes in the Champions League as the final matchday of the group stage unfolds. At 9 PM CET, all teams still in contention will battle for qualification or to secure a more favorable position in the next round. While 27 teams still have everything to play for, nine have already been eliminated, including Bologna. Five spots in the Round of 16 and six in the knockout round playoffs are up for grabs, with three teams set to miss out entirely. Even European powerhouses like Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain are not yet safe.
Italian clubs enter the night with varying objectives. Inter, currently fourth with 16 points, hosts Monaco, who sit tenth with 13 points. A draw would be enough for the Nerazzurri to seal their place in the last 16 without relying on other results.
Milan, in sixth with 15 points, faces a crucial away match against Dinamo Zagreb. A win is necessary to avoid the risk of a February playoff and secure direct qualification. Meanwhile, Atalanta, seventh with 14 points, has an even tougher challenge ahead, traveling to Camp Nou to take on Barcelona, who hold second place with 18 points. Only a victory guarantees Atalanta a spot in the last eight; anything less means depending on results elsewhere.
Champions League: Inter storms into the Round of 16, Juventus and Milan stumble
30 Jan - 07:07 •
2' min
Juventus, sitting 17th with 12 points, takes on Benfica with a clear target: securing a win to improve their seeding in the playoff draw. Their chances of reaching the last 16 are slim, but a victory would provide a strategic advantage for the upcoming knockout rounds.
As for Bologna, already out of the competition with five points, they face Sporting Lisbon, who need a win to qualify. While the match won’t alter Bologna’s fate, an upset could bring a financial boost and allow them to bow out on a high note.
