The ultimate matchday of the Champions League league part is nearly right here as on Wednesday, Feb. 22, all 36 groups will kick off at 3 p.m. ET on Paramount+. With solely Liverpool and Barcelona having clinched spots within the prime eight of the desk, there’s lots to play for as issues come to an finish particularly with groups resembling Manchester Metropolis and Paris Saint-Germain preventing to make it to the knockout stage.
With the shift from a standard group stage to the brand new Swiss format of the Champions League, these upcoming matches will probably be in contrast to something that we have seen earlier than with groups shifting by the minute as targets roll in on the ultimate day of the league part. Due to that, it is a good likelihood to check out what are the video games to regulate Wednesday because it’ll be a topsy-turvy experience.
5. Barcelona vs. Atalanta
Barcelona’s spot within the final 16 could already be punched however with a victory and a Liverpool loss, there’s an opportunity that Hansi Flick’s males may end because the primary crew within the inaugural league part. Chasing historical past is all the time engaging and having an opportunity at the most effective path to the ultimate can also be intriguing. However making the journey to Spain will probably be formidable opposition in Atalanta. The Italian facet want a victory to make sure a spot straight within the spherical of 16, and relying on how issues go, a draw could also be sufficient. Boasting among the best defenses within the event, Atalanta will have the ability to check Barcelona’s high-flying assault in what will probably be a tense conflict.
4. Lille vs. Feyenoord
Degree on 13 factors, each of those groups are within the knockout stage of the event however they’re additionally solely out of the highest eight based mostly on purpose distinction. Due to that, a win for both could possibly be vital of their possibilities to make it previous the final 16. In a match that can characteristic a few of Concacaf’s finest strikers in Canadian worldwide Jonathan David and Mexican worldwide Santiago Gimenez, there will probably be a regional rivalry on show as nicely. For groups who would’ve been blissful to only make it to the knockout stage, the reward of a top-eight can be fairly an accomplishment.
3. Juventus vs. Benfica
Taking a look at these names on paper, this is not a match that may be anticipated to be nearer to the underside of the desk however Juventus cannot discover the again of the online and Benfica cannot maintain on to leads, seeing these groups sitting seventeenth and twenty first, respectively. Juventus have a spot within the knockout stage secured however Benfica are one of many sides who will probably be fearful {that a} loss may see them miss out of the knockouts for the second season operating. Each groups’ campaigns began nicely earlier than devolving into chaos so that they’ll be looking for wins to show the vibes round and save themselves.
2. Manchester Metropolis vs. Membership Brugge
Win and also you’re into the knockouts. The purpose is straightforward right here however the place it will get fascinating is that the winner will probably take the place of the loser within the knockout stage. A draw solely helps Brugge as Metropolis want a win to actually have a likelihood on the prime 24, one thing that reveals how a lot of a catastrophe their marketing campaign has been. Internet hosting Brugge at residence seems like a match that Metropolis ought to win simply however nothing has been straightforward for Pep Guardiola’s males this season which is why they even discover themselves on this scenario. Lacking out can be a historic second when Metropolis have been an everyday facet within the spherical of 16, and far deeper, however they don’t seem to be the one European energy in peril.
1. VfB Stuttgart vs. PSG
PSG’s scenario can be extra dire with out their current victory over Metropolis however that does not imply that they are off to clean crusing in a tricky away journey to one of many hottest groups in UCL play. Stuttgart have received three video games on the bounce to show round their very own outlook, now discovering themselves in twenty fourth throughout their first-ever Champions League marketing campaign. PSG sit in twenty second place on 11 factors and a draw could possibly be sufficient to see them by means of on purpose distinction, however leaving issues as much as likelihood may finish in heartbreak. Each groups can rating with ease, however on the subject of defending, there’s a lot to be desired which is why with this happening in Germany, it is a must-watch affair. The targets will probably be flying and the stakes could not be greater.
