Champions League Knockout Phase Set: Top Eight Earn Byes

The Elite Eight: Automatic Round of 16 Qualifiers

1. Arsenal (24 points, +19 GD)
Perfect across the league phase, Arsenal were the most dominant side in the competition. Eight wins, just four goals conceded, and a relentless attacking balance made Mikel Arteta’s team the gold standard. They now enter the knockout rounds rested, confident, and firmly among the title favorites.

2. Bayern Munich (21 points, +14 GD)
Bayern combined trademark efficiency with attacking firepower, scoring 22 goals while controlling matches with authority. Their lone slip did little to derail a commanding campaign that reaffirmed Bayern’s status as a perennial Champions League threat.

3. Liverpool (18 points, +12 GD)
Liverpool’s run was defined by intensity and big-moment performances. While not flawless, their ability to overwhelm opponents offensively and close out games late secured a top-three finish and avoided the playoff gauntlet.

4. Tottenham Hotspur (17 points, +10 GD)
Tottenham were one of the league phase’s biggest success stories. Blending structure with attacking confidence, Spurs showed consistency rarely seen in recent European campaigns and were rewarded with a crucial bye.

5. Barcelona (16 points, +8 GD)
Barcelona navigated a demanding schedule with composure, balancing possession dominance with timely goals. While defensive lapses appeared at times, their overall quality was enough to finish safely inside the top eight.

6. Chelsea (16 points, +7 GD)
Chelsea’s resurgence continued on the European stage. Strong defensive organization paired with efficient chance creation allowed them to match Barcelona on points and secure a direct route to the Round of 16.

7. Sporting CP (16 points, +6 GD)
Sporting CP emerged as one of the competition’s most impressive overachievers. Fearless, disciplined, and opportunistic, they proved capable of competing with Europe’s elite and earned a deserved top-eight finish.

8. Manchester City (16 points, +6 GD)
City did just enough — and that was enough. Despite moments of vulnerability, the reigning European powerhouse showed its pedigree when it mattered most and avoided the playoff round.

The Playoff Field: Seeds 9–24

Teams finishing 9th through 24th now enter a two-legged knockout playoff, where survival is anything but guaranteed. The field includes giants like Real Madrid, Inter, PSG, and Juventus, along with dangerous opponents such as Atlético Madrid, Atalanta, Dortmund, Olympiacos, Galatasaray, Monaco, Qarabağ, Bodø/Glimt, and Benfica. These matchups will also be determined by draw, adding another layer of unpredictability to an already dangerous stage.

Seeds 9–24 (Knockout Playoff Teams):
9. Real Madrid
10. Inter
11. Paris Saint-Germain
12. Newcastle United
13. Juventus
14. Atlético Madrid
15. Atalanta
16. Bayer Leverkusen
17. Borussia Dortmund
18. Olympiacos
19. Club Brugge
20. Galatasaray
21. AS Monaco
22. Qarabağ
23. Bodø/Glimt
24. Benfica

There are no easy draws at this stage. One bad half, one red card, or one moment of brilliance can decide a season. For clubs like Real Madrid and PSG, the playoff round represents unfamiliar danger. For underdogs, it’s a chance to make history.