Champions League: Man City, Real Madrid, PSG risk elimination

With just three matches remaining in the Champions League league phase, tension mounts.

Manchester City and Juventus face significant danger ahead of their crucial clash on Tuesday.

Also, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain find themselves struggling in 24th and 25th places, respectively.

The stakes are high, as the teams finishing between 25th and 36th will be eliminated from the tournament.

Moreover, they will have no alternative access to the Europa League.

To advance automatically into the round of 16, teams must secure a top-eight finish. Those landing in ninth to 24th positions will enter a playoff round in February.

Winners from this playoff will claim the remaining eight spots in the knockout stage. Therefore, the pressure mounts on these heavyweight clubs as they aim for qualification.

Currently, four prominent teams in European football are at risk. Paris Saint-Germain faces the possibility of full elimination.

Meanwhile, reigning champions Real Madrid hover just above the drop zone in 24th place. Manchester City struggles in 17th, far from a coveted top-eight position.

Juventus, sitting in 19th, prepares to face City in what could be a pivotal match for qualification.

This week’s essential Champions League fixtures includes several key matchups. On December 10, Atalanta takes on Real Madrid while RB Salzburg faces PSG.

The following day, Juventus clashes with Manchester City. These matches could determine the fate of several teams.

Real Madrid’s upcoming trip to Atalanta could not come at a worse time. The holders of Europe’s elite trophy have struggled throughout this competition.

Defeats to AC Milan, Lille, and Liverpool have marred their campaign. Facing Atalanta, who remain unbeaten, poses a significant challenge for Madrid.

Gian Piero Gasparini’s side has performed well, defeating Young Boys, Stuttgart, and Shakhtar Donetsk. Despite their struggles, Madrid can draw confidence from their previous encounter with Atalanta.

Earlier this season, they secured a 2-0 victory in the UEFA Super Cup. Kylian Mbappe scored his first goal for Los Blancos in that match.

This memory may provide a psychological boost as they prepare for the upcoming clash.

Meanwhile, Manchester City and Juventus also find themselves in a precarious position. They sit level on points, with City ahead due to goal difference.

Their match on Tuesday could be decisive for both clubs. City recently ended a losing streak with a win against Nottingham Forest.

However, they faltered again against Crystal Palace, dropping crucial points in a 2-2 draw.

Juventus, under the guidance of Thiago Motta, is undergoing a rebuilding phase. They possess several young, promising players.

Looking ahead

The knockout stages of the 2024/25 Champions League are fast approaching. The knockout round playoffs will take place on February 11/12 and February 18/19, 2025.

The round of 16 will follow on March 4/5 and March 11/12, 2025.

The quarter-finals are scheduled for April 8/9 and April 15/16, 2025. Meanwhile, the semi-finals will occur on April 29/30 and May 6/7, 2025.

The final of the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League will take place in Munich at the Allianz Arena on May 31, 2025. As the competition progresses, teams must focus on their performances.

The next few matches will be critical in determining who advances and who faces elimination. The pressure is on for Manchester City, Juventus, Real Madrid, and Paris Saint-Germain as they navigate this challenging stage of the tournament.

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