⛔Juve v Napoli, no more slip-ups: staying in the Champions League🔎 | OneFootball

The journeys of Juventus and Napoli in the Champions League are unfolding far from expectations: the results achieved so far drastically reduce their chances of finishing among the top eight, even putting their qualification for the playoffs at risk.

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The Azzurri occupy twenty-first place, while the Bianconeri follow in twenty-third, both right on the edge of the playoff zone—a position likely to worsen with the completion of the fourth matchday.

To stay in the race, an immediate turnaround is needed in the next four matches: at least 8 or 9 points will be required to secure a playoff spot. One thing is certain: there is no more room for error for either team, and here’s why.

Napoli, what needs to be done to qualify for the playoffs/round of 16

Four points in the standings and zero margin for error: for Napoli, the next fixture on November 25 at the Maradona against Qarabag cannot be missed. The Azerbaijanis, the surprise of the group with two wins over Copenhagen and Benfica, represent a must-win match for the Partenopei: with a victory, they would climb to seven points.

Afterwards, the schedule presents two decisive tests: first Benfica, then Copenhagen in Denmark, where crucial points will be needed to stay in the playoff zone and avoid reaching the last matchday with their backs against the wall. The finale will be at the Maradona against Chelsea, a highly risky clash.

It will also be essential to improve the goal difference, which plummeted to -5 after the heavy 2-6 defeat in Eindhoven against PSV. Every goal, from now on, could make the difference in Napoli’s Champions League journey.

Juve, what needs to be done to qualify for the playoffs/round of 16

One less than Napoli: the Bianconeri have just three points, the result of three draws in four matches. The next crucial match will be on November 25 away to Bodo/Glimt, who trail Juve in the standings with two points.

The Norwegians, coming off two defeats, are very dangerous: synthetic pitch, freezing climate, and a European fortress with 29 wins in 39 games at the Aspmyra Stadion. In case of victory, the Bianconeri would then have the chance to pull ahead against Pafos at the Stadium on December 10, a must-win match. Two consecutive wins would relaunch Juve towards the playoffs, with the key fixture on January 21 against Benfica. If qualification comes down to the last matchday, the Bianconeri would face Monaco at the “Louis II” in Monte Carlo, who are still in the running.

To secure a playoff spot, at least 11 points and a good goal difference, currently at -1, are needed. With 12 points, qualification should be assured, while direct access to the round of 16 now seems out of reach.

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

📸 MARCO BERTORELLO - AFP or licensors