The Last Round of Group Games: Who Needs What

So, we approach the last round of group games and its make or break for some of the teams in this years Champions League. Some big names are still in doubt, and could find themselves on Thursday morning in the draw for the next round of the Europa League. Meanwhile, some of the teams already through are far from guaranteed top spot, and could end up with a trickier draw in the next round.

Group A

Group A is simple. Bordeaux are through. Juventus host Bayern, and the winner takes second spot – and a draw for Juve would be enough. Bayern have a big ask on their hands, they need to step up and rescue their season. Seemingly to make things more interesting, Gigi Buffon (left) is injured and probably won’t play.

Group B

Man United are through. CSKA Moscow take on bottom side Besiktas, while Wolfsburg (level on points with CSKA at this point) take on Man United who a) will only have Patrice Evra at the back b) are already through. Whoever gets the most points from their game goes through. If they both win, its the Germans.

Group C

Is Complicated. Real Madrid, Milan and Olympique de Marseille could all still get through. Real sit top on 10 points, and unless l’OM beat them by three and Milan win as well, they’ll progress. Milan play Zurich (who they couldn’t beat before) knowing they basically have to do better than l’OM do against Real. A win will see them through, and a draw will be good enough if l’OM only manage a draw or less against Real.

Group D

Is over except the tears. The only thing left to fight for, is the Europa League spot, and both Atleti and APOEL are playing the sides that have qualified, Porto and Chelsea respectively. Nothing really to see unless your a fan of one of the sides.

(Wednesday)

Group E

Group E is all decided. Fiorentina are Lyon are through, Liverpool are in the Europa League. Only point of vague interest, is who will win the group. Fiorentina are two points clear of Lyon, and take on Liverpool.

Group F

Anything can happen here. Theoretically any of the sides could get through. Barca take on Dynamo Kiev. Barca currently sit top on 8 points, and a draw or better will see them through. Kiev can still qualify for the knockouts if they beat Barca and Inter and Rubin Kazan draw. Inter are at home to Rubin, and if either side wins, they are through to the next round. A draw and a Barca win would see Inter through.

Group G

Unirea play Stuttgart, and the winner takes the last knockout spot, the loser in the Europa league. If its a draw Unirea make the knockouts. The other game is entirely irrelevant.

Group H

Arsenal are through as group winners, and will take a team of teenagers to play Olympiacos who only need a draw to be through to the next round. If Arsenal win, then Standard Liege just need to beat AZ to be in the knockouts. AZ will of course be playing their hearts out (possibly) as a win gets them in the Eurpoa League.

Category: Group Stages