The State Of Play In The Final Week Of The Groups

By: Rob | December 9th, 2008

So, I hear you ask, What is the point of watching the Champions League this week? Has everything not already been decided? Well no. Only in Group C has everything already been decided. Still up for grabs are the rights to win the group – which of course means the “easier” draw in the next round (Group winners are drawn against runners up), so basically avoiding Barca and Inter is the prize. Group A looks the most interesting, with Roma, Chelsea and Bordeaux all battling to get through. A few potential upsets too, as Man United, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Liverpool, Bayern might all finish second in their groups. In fact, in that case maybe not winning the group would be the advantage?

Anyway, the real reason for watching the Champions League is you still get to see most of Europe’s best players, all kicking round looking bloody fantastic. And you can play guess the goals on the main page. Full state of each group after that there jump.

Group A

Group A is the most interesting group yet, as any two of three teams can still get through to the knockout stages. Roma will qualify if they don’t loose to Bordeaux, and will win the group with a win against Bordeaux, Chelsea will be through with a win against Cluj (already out) or a Roma win. To win the group Chelsea need Roma to not win, and for themselves to beat Cluj. Bordeaux can only qualify with a win against Roma, and if they win and Chelsea do not then they will win the group.

Group B

Inter are through here, but can win the group if they beat Bremen. If they draw with Bremen and Panathinaikos don’t beat Anorthosis, they will also emerge group winners. The real big game is Panathinaikos against Anorthosis, if its a draw or Panathinaikos win, they are through, if Anorthosis win, they would be through in a fantastic Champions League upset. If Bremen beat Inter they can qualify for the Uefa cup if Pana win.

Group C

Group C is done. Barca have won the group, Sporting are Second, and Shakhtar are third. Basel are 4th.

Group D

Atletico will win the group if their result against Marseille is as good, or better than Liverpool’s result against PSV. Exact same situation at the bottom, where if Marseille’s result is equal or better than PSV’s against Liverpool they’ll make the UEFA cup.

Group E

Group E is all decided except who will win the group. Villarreal have to do better against Celtic, than Man United do against Aalborg to win the group. If they get the same result, it comes down to goal difference. Man United are currently on +6, Villarreal on +4

Group F

Lyon will win the group with a 0-0 or a win against Bayern. Bayern will win the group with a score draw, or a win against Lyon. Fiorentina will be in the UEFA cup unless they loose to Steaua.

Group G

Arsenal will win the group as long as they do not loose to Porto. Porto will obviously win the group with a win. winner of Dyanamo/Fener gets the UEFA Cup booby prize.

Group H

All done, if Juve don’t loose they’ll win the group. If they do, Real will. Easy.