Liverpool, Manchester City and Barcelona secured direct qualification for the Champions League round of 16 on Wednesday, while holders Paris Saint-Germain and record 15-time winners Real Madrid were forced into the knockout play-offs after a dramatic final night of league-phase action.
The revamped league phase concluded with 18 simultaneous kick-offs across Europe, delivering late goals, shock results and decisive moments that reshaped the knockout landscape.
Premier League champions Liverpool finished third in the expanded 36-team table behind Arsenal and Bayern Munich, while five English clubs progressed directly to the last 16. PSG and Real Madrid, however, narrowly missed out on top-eight finishes and will now face the uncertainty of the play-off round.
Benfica 4-2 Real Madrid
In the most dramatic match of the night, Real Madrid missed out on automatic qualification after a stunning defeat in Lisbon. Despite two goals from Kylian Mbappé, Benfica snatched victory — and a play-off place — when goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin headed home a sensational winner in the 98th minute after being sent forward for a late corner.
Liverpool 6-0 Qarabağ
Liverpool sealed their last-16 berth in emphatic fashion, sweeping aside Qarabağ at Anfield. Alexis Mac Allister scored twice, with Florian Wirtz, Mohamed Salah, Hugo Ekitiké and Federico Chiesa also on target as Arne Slot’s side dominated from start to finish.
Man City 2-0 Galatasaray
Manchester City booked automatic qualification thanks to a composed home victory. Jeremy Doku starred in the first half, setting up Erling Haaland for his 56th Champions League goal before assisting Rayan Cherki to double the lead.
Barcelona 4-1 Copenhagen
Barcelona recovered from an early setback to secure a top-eight finish. Lamine Yamal was the standout performer, scoring once and assisting Robert Lewandowski, while Raphinha and Marcus Rashford added further goals in a commanding second-half display.
Frankfurt 0-2 Tottenham
Tottenham sealed a place in the round of 16 with a clinical away win in Germany. Randal Kolo Muani opened the scoring against his former club before Dominic Solanke wrapped up the victory late on.
Napoli 2-3 Chelsea
Chelsea came from behind to claim direct qualification and eliminate Napoli. João Pedro scored twice after the introduction of Cole Palmer, overturning Napoli’s first-half lead following an early Enzo Fernández penalty.
PSG 1-1 Newcastle
Defending champions Paris Saint-Germain were denied a top-eight finish after being held at home by Newcastle United. Vitinha’s early goal was cancelled out by Joe Willock’s powerful header just before half-time, consigning PSG to the play-off round.
PSV 1-2 Bayern München
Harry Kane struck an 84th-minute winner off the bench to secure Bayern Munich’s place in the last 16. The England captain’s late goal proved decisive after PSV had briefly drawn level in the second half.
Arsenal 3-2 Kairat Almaty
Arsenal completed a flawless league phase with a perfect eight wins from eight matches. Goals from Viktor Gyökeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli ensured the Gunners finished top of the table.
Confirmed in the Round of 16
Arsenal | Barcelona | Bayern München | Chelsea | Liverpool | Manchester City | Sporting CP | Tottenham
Knockout Play-Offs
Atalanta | Atlético de Madrid | Borussia Dortmund | Benfica | Bodø/Glimt | Club Brugge | Galatasaray | Inter | Juventus | Leverkusen | Monaco | Newcastle | Olympiacos | Paris SG | Qarabağ | Real Madrid
The knockout phase play-off draw will be held at 12:00 CET on Friday, January 30, with heavyweight ties looming as Real Madrid and PSG continue their Champions League campaigns via the longer route.
Source: Champions League
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