Champions League: Storylines to watch out for during the final matchday | OneFootball

It’s the final matchday in the all-new and inaugural Champions League format. With every team kicking off at the same time on Wednesday, there is still plenty to play for as teams attempt to sneak into the top 8 and the play-off places. Here are some key storylines to watch out for during matchday 8 in the Champions League.

New Format Reminder

In case readers aren’t familiar with the new Champions League group stage format (we don’t blame you), here is a quick reminder of how things work.

The group stage now consists of a 36-team table rather than mini groups of 4. All 36 teams will play 8 matchdays against random teams who aren’t in their domestic league.

After matchday 8, the top 8 in the league will automatically qualify for the final 16. Those placed 9th-24th will qualify for a last 16 play-off, with those in 25th-36th eliminated.

The play-off draw will take place on January 31st with the teams placed 9th-16th seeded. The play-off round will consist of two legs, each team playing home and away.

Final Matchday Storylines

Stuttgart vs PSG

The Bundesliga outfit host the champions of France with both clubs hoping to secure a spot in the play-off round.

Both teams are currently on 10 points, with a win definitely securing a spot in the play-offs. A draw may also be enough, but other results must go their way.

Should Stuttgart (who have home advantage) cause an upset, it would possibly be one of the biggest Champions League stories of the season.

The idea that PSG wouldn’t qualify for the next stage of the Champions League would have been unthinkable at the beginning of the season.

Stuttgart have proven their worth so far in the Champions League and have managed to balance that with domestic games, although it took time in the beginning.

Sebastian Hoenß’s side have already beaten the likes of Juventus and given Real Madrid a run for their money on the opening matchday. The Swabians could already have qualified if it wasn’t for some inconsistencies halfway through their campaign.

This game is certainly a storyline to watch out for.

Bayern Munich & Borussia Dortmund

Two of the biggest clubs in Germany may have to settle for a play-off spot. Both clubs are on 12 points and, with a win, could sneak into the top 8 on the final matchday. However, they’ll be looking for other teams to do them favours.

Bayern host Slovan Bratislava and should have enough firepower to win comfortably on the night. With Atalanta (7th) playing Barcelona (2nd) and Inter (4th) playing Monaco (10th), they could just do it, even on goal difference if they score enough.

For Dortmund, it’s a similar storyline. They play Shakhtar Donetsk at home and will be hoping others above them drop points.

Real Madrid Hoping For Favours

Like many huge European clubs, Real Madrid will be hoping that other results go their way and they sneak into the top 8. Currently on 12 points, Real is facing off against Brest in France, who have been one of the surprise packages this year.

Getting a win in Brest will be no easy task for Real, who have already struggled in the competition this year. Brest are yet to lose at home, having held Bayer Leverkusen to a draw and beaten PSV and Sturm Graz.

At the end of matchday 8, Real, BVB, Bayern, Man City, Juventus, and PSG could all be missing out and having to go through the play-off route.

There are certain to be many twists and turns throughout the final matchday, as all 18 ties kick off at the same time. If you have the option to multi-screen on Wednesday evening, it would be a good time to use it!

GGFN | Jamie Allen