What teams need to qualify from Champions League groups

The UEFA Champions League is at the halfway point and the eight groups are starting to take shape.

This is the final season of the multi-group format, before it becomes a 36-team competition with all clubs in one classification.

We take a look at who can clinch their spot on day four and what the qualifying picture looks like.

The top two teams from each group qualify for the round of 16, third-placed clubs qualify for the Europa League round of 16, and those finishing last are eliminated.

Tiebreaker:
1) Points
2) Head-to-head points in matches involving tied teams
3) Goal difference in matches between tied teams
4) Goals scored in head-to-head matches involving the tied teams
–If the tiebreaker above initially involves 3 or 4 teams, it is reapplied to resolve any remaining tiebreakers between fewer clubs.
5) Goal difference in all group matches
6) Goals scored in all group matches
7) Goals scored away in all group matches
8) Victories in all group matches
9) Away wins in all group matches
10) Disciplinary points
11) UEFA club coefficient.

This page will be updated throughout the final rounds of the group stage.

Group permutations

group A

Remaining calendar
November 8: Bayern Munich vs. Galatasaray, FC Copenhagen vs. Manchester United
November 29: Galatasaray vs Manchester United, Bayern Munich vs FC Copenhagen
December 12: Manchester United vs Bayern Munich, FC Copenhagen vs Galatasaray

Bayern have a 100% record after the first three group matches and will qualify with a win or draw at home to Galatasaray on matchday four.

The other three teams in the group are only separated by three points. The results of the three matches involving these teams will determine the final standings.

FC Copenhagen are last but are the only one of the three to still have two home matches to play. Man United’s only remaining home game is against Bayern.

play

Fjortoft: Man United’s first half was the worst I’ve seen them play

Jan Age Fjortoft is not convinced this is the start of a turnaround for Manchester United despite a 1-0 Champions League win over FC Copenhagen.

Group B

Remaining calendar
November 8: Arsenal vs Sevilla, PSV Eindhoven vs Lens
November 29: Sevilla vs PSV Eindhoven, Arsenal vs Lens
December 12: PSV Eindhoven vs Arsenal, Lens vs Sevilla

A very tight group with Arsenal and Lens in the first two places, but without any club breaking away to dominate.

Arsenal have two home games to play, so they will be clear favorites to secure their place in the round of 16.

Lens, however, have two upcoming away matches, at PSV and Arsenal, with the final group match against Sevilla in France shaping up to be crucial.

Group C

Remaining calendar
November 8: Napoli vs Union Berlin, Real Madrid vs Braga
November 29: Braga vs Union Berlin, Real Madrid vs Napoli
December 12: Union Berlin vs Real Madrid, Napoli vs Braga

Real Madrid have one foot in the round of 16 after winning all three of their group matches so far. They will secure their place for the 4th day in the event of a victory or draw at home against Braga.

Napoli are second and can take a big step towards the round of 16 with a home win against Union Berlin. That, coupled with a Braga defeat in Madrid, would leave Napoli needing a point from their final two matches.

Braga’s hopes seem slim. If the Portuguese team loses at Real Madrid and Napoli beats Union Berlin, they will need to win their remaining two games to have any chance of qualifying.

Union Berlin will be eliminated in the event of a draw or defeat in Naples.

play

Hislop on Bellingham winner: he is so calm under pressure

Shaka Hislop congratulates Jude Bellingham on scoring another winning goal for Real Madrid in the Champions League.

Group D

Remaining calendar
November 8: Real Sociedad vs Benfica, FC Salzburg vs Internazionale
November 29: Benfica vs Internazionale, Real Sociedad vs FC Salzburg
December 12: Internazionale vs Real Sociedad, FC Salzburg vs Benfica

Real Sociedad and Inter Milan are in a strong position at the halfway point with seven points. If both teams win on the 4th day, they will qualify for the round of 16.

In reality, FC Salzburg must avoid defeat against Inter to stay in the race (indeed, they will be eliminated if Inter and Real Sociedad win). They still have two home games remaining, and a win against the Serie A side Austria would put them back in contention.

Benfica are bottom of the table and although they will still be in contention mathematically with a draw if Inter lose on matchday four, in reality they need to beat Real Sociedad to have any chance. They will be eliminated in case of defeat.

Groups E to H will be added after the third round on Wednesday.