Liverpool Moves to UCL Knockouts as R’Madrid, City, and PSG Face Doubts

Liverpool has secured its place in the knockout stage of the UEFA Champions League, becoming the first team to do so after Matchday 5. 

With an impressive 11 points and a goal difference of +11, Arne Slot side has looked dominant throughout the group stage. Their qualification has solidified their reputation as serious contenders for the title this season.

However, while Liverpool celebrates, several other top European clubs are facing uncertain futures. The race to secure spots in the knockout stages has become more intense, with traditional giants like Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Paris Saint-Germain struggling to meet expectations.

Rough road ahead for top clubs

Real Madrid, despite being one of the most successful clubs in Champions League history, finds itself in a precarious position. With just 5 points and a neutral goal difference, Carlo Ancelotti’s squad is in danger of missing out on the knockout stages. 

Although they have talent like Jude Bellingham, their form has been disappointing, and they now need to win their final matches and hope other results go in their favor.

Manchester City, the defending Premier League champions, also face a serious challenge. Sitting in 17th place with only 8 points, Pep Guardiola’s side has been off form and is at risk of an early exit. City will need to improve quickly, especially with a crucial match against Juventus ahead, to have any hope of progressing.

PSG is facing the biggest crisis of all. With just 4 points and a -3 goal difference, the Parisians are in 25th place and need a miracle to stay in the competition. Luis Enrique’s team has underperformed, and unless they can find form in their final matches, their European campaign could come to a disastrous end.

Other teams on the rise

While some of the usual favorites are struggling, other teams have been surprising many. Inter Milan, Borussia Dortmund, and Barcelona are in strong positions to qualify, each with 11 points. 

Atalanta has also impressed and is in the hunt for a top spot, while Arsenal and Bayer Leverkusen, with 10 points, still have a chance to make it through.

Who’s Already Out?

Several clubs have already been eliminated from contention, including Crvena Zvezda, RB Leipzig, and Young Boys, who have yet to win a match. Salzburg, Bologna, and Bratislava have also been knocked out of the competition, ending their hopes of European glory for this season.

What to expect

With just one more round of group-stage matches to play, the next few weeks will be crucial for many clubs. Liverpool’s smooth qualification contrasts with the tense battles unfolding for the other spots. 

For some of Europe’s biggest teams, the final games could determine whether they stay in the tournament or face an early exit. The drama is sure to continue, with plenty of high-stakes matches ahead.