Barcelona’s possible opponents if the Champions League standings stay the same | OneFootball

The race to secure a place in the top eight of the UEFA Champions League standings is reaching a decisive stage, and recent results have largely worked in favour of Barcelona. 

Barça’s hard-fought 4-2 victory over Slavia Praha has lifted them up to ninth place, keeping their European hopes very much alive heading into the final round of matches.

With just one game left in the league phase, the margins are incredibly fine, as Barcelona currently sit ninth, while Atletico Madrid occupy 11th place with equal points. 

Despite their positions outside the automatic qualification spots, both clubs remain firmly in contention to break into the top eight when the final fixtures are played. 

Everything is still open, and goal difference, head-to-head scenarios, and late drama are likely to play a decisive role.

Potential classification and matches

Elsewhere, Athletic Club find themselves in a different but equally tense situation. 

While direct qualification for the round of 16 is no longer possible, a playoff place remains within reach. 

For Barcelona, the focus is not only on results but also on potential scenarios. If Barça were to finish ninth, attention would turn to the playoff draw and the identity of their possible opponents. 

Barcelona need to win their last group stage match. (Photo by Gabriel Kuchta/Getty Images)

Under the current Champions League format, the pairings are directly linked to a team’s final position in the league standings. 

Each club knows in advance that only two possible opponents are waiting for them.

In practical terms, the team finishing 9th will be drawn against either the 23rd or 24th-ranked side. 

As such, the playoff round is structured around two pots. Teams placed between 9th and 16th are considered seeded, while those finishing between 17th and 24th are unseeded. 

As things stand, Barcelona could find themselves in a playoff clash involving Sporting CP, Olympiacos, or Athletic Club, depending on final positions. 

Barcelona or Sporting CP vs Athletic Club or Olympiacos (9th/10th – 23rd/24th)

A potential pairing of FC Barcelona or Sporting CP against Athletic Club or Olympiacos highlights just how competitive and unpredictable this phase could be.