Champions League League Phase Reaches Climax With High-Stakes Finale
NEW YORK, January 28, 2026 – The 2025-26 UEFA Champions League league phase concludes this week with Matchday 8, determining which 24 teams advance to the knockout rounds. With several top-eight spots and playoff seeding still up for grabs, the final fixtures promise drama across Europe.
Final Matchday Fixtures & Stakes
The eighth and final matchday of the revamped league phase features several pivotal clashes. Teams are jockeying for position, with the top eight securing a direct pass to the round of 16 and teams finishing 9th through 24th entering a knockout round playoff. Key matches include a heavyweight duel between Monaco and Juventus, while Athletic Club hosts Sporting CP and Atlético Madrid faces Bodø/Glimt. Other notable fixtures are Ajax vs. Olympiacos, Arsenal vs. Kairat, and Barcelona vs. Copenhagen.
Current Standings & What’s at Stake
| Position | Team | Key Narrative |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Arsenal | Clinched top spot; strong favorite for overall title. |
| 2nd | Bayern Munich | Secure in top eight; among title favorites. |
| 3rd | Real Madrid | In contention for a top-eight bye. |
| 4th | Liverpool | Recently dominant; projections place them as a top contender. |
| 9th-16th Range | Barcelona, Man City, Atlético Madrid | Fighting to finish in the top eight and avoid the playoff round. |
| Bubble Teams | Chelsea, Tottenham, Newcastle | Need positive results to secure a top-24 finish and playoff berth. |
Knockout Round Playoff Draw Details
The draw for the knockout round playoffs, which will pair teams finishing 9th-16th against those finishing 17th-24th, is scheduled for just two days after the conclusion of Matchday 8. According to UEFA, the draw will commence at 11 a.m. GMT (6 a.m. ET). The winners of these two-legged ties will advance to the round of 16 to face the top-eight finishers.
Expert Predictions & Power Rankings
As the league phase concludes, analysts and power rankings consistently point to a handful of teams as the primary contenders for the title. Arsenal and Bayern Munich are locked at the top of most lists, with Paris Saint-Germain and a surging Liverpool side close behind. The Opta supercomputer and various sportsbooks reflect this hierarchy, making the Premier League and Bundesliga giants the teams to beat as the tournament shifts to knockout football.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Champions League knockout round draw?
The draw for the knockout round playoffs will be held two days after Matchday 8 concludes, starting at 6 a.m. ET.
Which teams have already qualified for the knockout stage?
While final seeding is pending, top clubs like Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Liverpool are assured of finishing in the top 24 and advancing to the knockout phase.
What do teams gain by finishing in the top eight?
Teams that finish in positions 1-8 after Matchday 8 receive a bye directly into the round of 16, avoiding the extra two-legged playoff round.