US EditionChampions League: How 6 EPL teams can qualify for knockouts
- Kicking off at 8pm UK time, all 36 clubs play 18 matches simultaneously as six Premier League sides fight for Champions League last 16 spots.
- Under the competition rules, the top eight teams skip an extra knockout round while teams 9th to 24th enter two-legged play-offs on 17/18 & 24/25 February 2026, and teams 25th to 36th are eliminated.
- Sitting eighth on 13 points, Chelsea must beat Napoli, managed by Antonio Conte, but a win may not guarantee qualification due to rivals’ winnable fixtures and goal difference swings.
- A win for Liverpool at Anfield against Qarabag FK guarantees a top eight spot, while a draw depends on rivals' results and a defeat likely sends them to knockout play‑offs.
- With the round of 16 starting March 10, 2026, there is a real chance that all six Premier League clubs could finish in the top eight, boosting hopes for a fifth automatic Champions League spot.
46 Articles
46 Articles
'Great to have Kai back' - Mikel Arteta praises Havertz as German returns with a goal
Havertz, making his first start after 357 days out with injury, needed just 45 minutes to underline his importance to Arteta’s side as Arsenal completed a perfect Champions League group campaign with an eighth straight victory.
The 2025/26 Champions League is putting on a real show. After the end of the league stage matches, there were surprises, with some big teams falling out of the top eight while others managed to secure the play-offs in the last breath. The teams that have secured direct qualification from the top eight positions are: Arsenal (24 points), Bayern Munich (21 points), Liverpool (18 points), Tottenham (17 points), Barcelona (16 points), Chelsea (16 po…
Champions League round-up as six Premier League sides fight for knock-out qualification in dramatic showdown
The Champions League league phase came to a dramatic close as football fans were treated to 18 matches that took place simultaneously, including six Premier League sides.Chelsea, Newcastle, Liverpool, Manchester City and Tottenham all fought for a spot in the top eight, as the evening saw the table move around throughout the night.Arsenal, who started the night top of Europe's most prestigious competition and already qualified for the knock-out …
Kai Havertz is back in Arsenal's startel after 357 days against Kairat Almaty. An important step for the DFB star.
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