Everything You Need to Know Ahead of Matchday 8
Matchday 8 of the league phase will significantly determine who advances in the UEFA Champions League, marking a new format compared to previous seasons. Here’s what you need to know:
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Directly Qualified for Round of 16: Liverpool, Barcelona
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Teams in the Hunt: Atletico Madrid, Atalanta, Arsenal, Aston Villa, Bayern Munich, Brest, Celtic, Dortmund, Feyenoord, Inter Milan, Juventus, Leverkusen, Lille, Milan, Monaco, Real Madrid
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Key Dates:
- First Legs: 11-12 February 2025
- Second Legs: 18-19 February 2025
- Round of 16: 4-5 and 11-12 March 2025
- Quarter Finals: 8-9 and 15-16 April 2025
- Semifinals: 29-30 April and 6-7 May 2025
- Final: 31 May 2025
Understanding the New Format: Traditionally, 16 teams advanced to the knockout rounds. Now, 24 teams will qualify, with playoffs eliminating eight teams based on their performances in the league phase. The winners will face those that secured direct entry into the knockout rounds.
Standings
| Pos | Team | GP | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Liverpool | 7 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 15 | 2 | +13 | 21 |
| 2 | Barcelona | 7 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 26 | 11 | +15 | 18 |
| 3 | Arsenal | 7 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 14 | 2 | +12 | 16 |
| 4 | Inter Milan | 7 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 8 | 1 | +7 | 16 |
| 5 | Atletico Madrid | 7 | 5 | 0 | 2 | 16 | 11 | +5 | 15 |
For a complete overview on team advancements and scenarios, visit CBS Sports Soccer.
