UEFA Champions League has reached the final round of the group stages after the fifth was played on Tuesday and Wednesday. In total eight teams have secured their places in the knockout stages, while two groups are done and dusted and another two still wide open between three hopefuls. Teams through include usual suspects like Barcelona, Juventus, Real Madrid, PSG, Bayern München, Manchester City and Tottenham, with a dark horse RB Leipzig pushing through as well. There’s still a lot to play for for teams like Liverpool, Ajax and Atletico Madrid come the last round two weeks from now.
Barcelona secured their playoff-spot by winning Dortmund at home in what was Leo Messi’s 700th appearance for the Catalan club. Messi was on fire by scoring once and assisting on goals by Luis Suarez and Antoine Griezmann in Barcelona’s 3-1 victory over Dortmund. The victory clinched the top spot in the group, with Inter and Dortmund fighting over the 2nd place.
Inter kept their hopes alive by bringing in three points from Prague against Slavia. Lautaro Martinez and Romelu Lukaku caused some havoc in the midst of Slavia defense, with Martinez scoring twice and Lukaku once in 1-3 victory, which saw Inter climb second in the group tied in points with Dortmund. The second playoff team will be decided in the final round, with Dormund hosting Slavia and Inter facing Barcelona – neither of their opponents have any stakes in the final game.
Elsewhere reigning champions Liverpool failed to make their homes game against closest challengers Napoli count and they stumbled to 1-1 draw despite dominating the possession. Goals were hard to come by for the home team and the single was scored by Dejan Lovren of all the players. Liverpool is visiting Salzburg in the final round, which means that the home team needs to win in order to qualify – and push Liverpool to Europa League if Napoli gains even a point hosting Genk.
Newly appointed Jose Mourinho had a horror start to his Champions League journey with Spurs, as visiting Olympiacos took an early 0-2 lead after only 19 minutes of play. Dele Alli then brought the home team back into it just before half-time and Mourinho’s team talks during the half seemed to work wonders: Spurs improved to 4-2 win and left Olympiacos stranded still winless in the group.
Ajax, Valencia and Chelsea are still gridlocked in their group, with Ajax at 10 points and the latter duo at 8. Ajax hosts Valencia in the last round while Chelsea will get a visit from Lille. Winners take it all is the name of the game.
UEFA Champions League Group E Winner:
Liverpool 1.55
Napoli 2.37
RB Salzburg 51.00
UEFA Champions League Group H Winner:
Ajax 1.55
Chelsea 4.25
Valencia 5.00
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