The Champions League resumes today, with the heavyweights of Europe’s top flights gearing up for action on Tuesday and Wednesday on Matchday 4 of the 2019/20 season.
Only three games have been played so far but some teams are already one step away from qualifying for the knockout stage. Six teams stand a chance of booking their ticket to the round of 16 on either Tuesday or Wednesday, but a win must be secured for this to happen in almost all situations.
Who are these teams? They are Atlético, Bayern Munich, Juventus, Man City, Napoli, and PSG; with none of the last three champions – Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Barcelona – yet boasting that advantage.
In Group D, the task is simple: both Atletico and Juventus will be through with a win. Cristiano and Co. take on Lokomotiv and would seal qualification with a victory. However, Los Rojiblancos’ fate is dependent on the Italian giants as they need to overcome Bayer Leverkusen and for the Serie A holders to beat the Russians.
As for Group E, Napoli can secure progression before defending champions Liverpool should the Italians beat Salzburg and Genk fall to a defeat at the hands of the Merseyside giants. However, Ancelotti’s side cannot win the group this round.
As for Man City, Bayern Munich, and PSG; they can all qualify and win their group. For the Citizens, victory would take them to the last 16 and should Dinamo and Shakhtar also play out a draw in the other match, Pep’s men will secure top spot.
A win would guarantee progression for PSG but a draw would suffice if Galatasaray fail to beat Real Madrid in the other game. Les Parisens must both win and hope the other game ends in a stalemate to make the last 16 on Matchday 4.
Finally, we have Bayern. The Germans will similarly go through with a win. A draw could do if Tottenham beat Crvena Zvezda. To win the group, however, Lewandowski and Co. will need a victory and a draw from the other game.
