Champions League table: Battle for top 8 finish intensifies | OneFootball

Liverpool and Barcelona are mathematically qualified for at least the Champions League play-offs, with Inter, Milan, Atalanta and Juventus all in a good position to fight for the top eight.

The new format has every team play eight games – four home and four away – with all the results going into a single table.

At the end of those games, the top eight will go directly into the Round of 16, with those from 9th to 16th seeded in the play-offs, then those from 17th to 24th unseeded for the draw.

Sides who finish from 25th place and beyond will be eliminated from all European competition in January.

As things stand after six matches, Liverpool and Barcelona are sure of at least a top 24 finish already, while RB Leipzig, Slovan Bratislava and Young Boys are certain of elimination.

TURIN, ITALY – DECEMBER 11: Juventus players celebrate victory at the end of the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD6 match between Juventus and Manchester City at Juventus Stadium on December 11, 2024 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

Sky Sport Italia note that teams on 11 points and above are very close to guaranteeing the top 24 and in a good position to battle for one of the first eight slots.

Inter are now on 13 points in sixth, with Milan climbing to 12th place on 12 points after four consecutive victories.

Atalanta and Juventus are just behind them on 11.

Bologna are not doomed yet, but have just two points from six Champions League games.

The big surprises are the clubs currently struggling to even get into the top 24, namely Paris Saint-Germain in 25th place, Manchester City in 22nd and Real Madrid in 20th.