The eight-round general stage of the UEFA Champions League is over. Now the most interesting part - big calculations, drawing lots, and questions like "who will face whom?" are starting before the playoffs. But one thing is already clear: some teams "cleaned up" their work too early, didn't stay in the transition matches at all, and earned direct spots in the 1/8 finals.
It has also been officially announced that eight clubs have qualified directly for the Champions League Round of 16. They are:
- Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Barcelona, Chelsea, Sporting CP, and Manchester City.
That is, these teams are currently putting aside both nerves and additional risks: they won't participate in pre-playoff qualifying (transition) matches, they'll face the opponent directly in the 1/8 finals. In short, this eight is now turning on the "rest" mode and waiting for the draw results.
When will the opponents be known?
Who they will face in the next round will be known after the pre-playoff qualifying matches. This is because teams ranked from 9th to 24th in the overall standings will play at this stage. These clubs will clash in the "transition games" and fight for the last tickets to reach the 1/8 finals.
For whom has the UCL ended?
The remaining 12 teams, ranked 25th in the overall standings and below, were eliminated from the UEFA Champions League. That is, their Champions League trips this season ended here: neither playoffs, nor transition matches - it's the end.
The conclusion is simple: now the Champions League will switch to an even stricter "regime." The teams in the top 8 are ready, and the rest will play their last chance to save themselves. And for the fans, the sweetest period is beginning: the draw, the sensation, the big duels, and the "real smell of the playoffs."
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