Liverpool and Barcelona, reigning domestic champions in England and Spain respectively, currently find themselves outside the top eight positions that guarantee direct qualification. Under the competition format, teams finishing between ninth and 24th must negotiate a two-legged playoff to reach the last 16, adding an extra hurdle to their European campaigns.
Liverpool, who topped the league phase last season, are aiming to avoid a repeat of their previous experience, when a strong group-stage showing still led to a daunting knockout tie against eventual champions Paris Saint-Germain. Arne Slot’s side has taken a different route this time but risks being drawn into the playoff picture unless results improve quickly.
The Merseyside club travels to Marseille on Wednesday and could be strengthened by the return of Mohamed Salah from the Africa Cup of Nations. Salah’s comeback comes after a turbulent period that included a public disagreement with Slot over his playing time, raising questions about his future at Anfield. His return is timely, with Liverpool short of attacking options following injuries to record signing Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike, who has only recently resumed action.
Barcelona are also playing catch-up. Last season’s runners-up to Liverpool in the league phase, the Catalan club went on to reach the semifinals before being eliminated by Inter Milan. This year, however, they face a tougher road and head to Slavia Prague knowing dropped points could leave them reliant on the playoff route.
Elsewhere, Chelsea begin a new chapter in the competition as Liam Rosenior takes charge of his first Champions League match with the club at home to Pafos. Rosenior was appointed earlier this month, replacing Enzo Maresca, who had guided Chelsea to Club World Cup success. The former Hull City defender arrives after leading Chelsea’s sister club, Strasbourg, to the top of the Conference League standings.
German powerhouse Bayern Munich, widely viewed as one of the tournament favorites this season, will look to strengthen their position when they host Union Saint-Gilloise.
As the league phase enters its final stretch, the margin for error is shrinking, even for Europe’s traditional heavyweights, with automatic qualification still very much up for grabs.