Atlético’s top-eight hopes in doubt: Simeone’s side face tough maths | OneFootball

The Atlético de Madrid faced a crucial match against Galatasaray, aiming to secure a spot in the Top-8 of the Champions League. However, the draw at RAMS Park did not benefit Simeone's team, which, with the rest of the results from this matchday 7, leaves them in twelfth place. Thus, they will have to play for it in the last matchday, where PSG, Newcastle, Chelsea, Barcelona, Sporting CP, Manchester City, Atlanta, and Atlético de Madrid are all tied with 13 points.

A total of eight teams face a final matchday where scoring heavily will be crucial. Atlético de Madrid will face Bodø/Glimt. Simeone himself stated before the match against the Turkish team that a draw and a win would not suffice, but it could be. A big win against the Norwegian team would increase the chances for Cholo's team, who, in any case, must keep an eye on the rest of the results, where there are even some direct clashes.

The Metropolitano's calculations to enter the Top-8

The first thing is to know the goal difference, which makes Atlético twelfth, with just a positive balance of three goals. PSG, the sixth-ranked team (first of the eight teams with 13 points), has a positive difference of 10 goals. They are tied in points and goal difference with Newcastle (+10). They are followed by Chelsea (+6), Barcelona (+5), Sporting CP (+5), Manchester City (+4), Atlético (+3), and Atalanta (+1).

Scoring heavily is key. Increasing the number of goals in favor may be necessary to have a chance to enter the Top-8. The positive aspect is that there will be direct clashes between several teams. PSG and Newcastle, both with 13 points, will face each other in Paris. If Atlético wins, aiming for the Top-8 of the Champions, they could overtake one or both teams, depending on the final result. Meanwhile, Chelsea, the last team within the top eight, will visit a Napoli outside the Top-24 but with chances to advance. The Diego Armando Maradona Stadium could help Cholo's team.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.