Champions League final phase set, Barcelona through, Real Madrid and Atlético into play-offs | OneFootball

The league phase is over after a frenetic final round, and the Champions League now moves into its knockout stage. Of the 36 starters, eight are already in the last 16, 16 head to two-legged play-offs, and 12 are out.

According to Superdeporte, Barcelona are the only Spanish side to book a direct spot, finishing fifth on 16 points with a +7 goal difference.

The eight remaining last-16 places will be decided in a play-off between clubs finishing ninth to 24th. Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid are in this bracket after losing their final fixtures to Benfica and Bodo/Glimt respectively.

Ties are set by final standings, and each team has two potential opponents, for example ninth will face 23rd or 24th. Seeds, ninth to 16th, play the second leg at home.

Among the 12 eliminated sides is Villarreal, whose European campaign yielded one point and seven defeats.

The play-off draw will be held on 30 January at 12:00 CET, a few days after the league phase ends.

Source: Superdeporte