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Champions League Knockout Race: English Teams Excel
24 Nov, 2025
Summary
- Top eight teams automatically reach the last 16.
- Teams ranked 9-24 enter a playoff round for knockout spots.
- Bottom 12 teams are eliminated with no Europa League access.
The Champions League league phase is past its midpoint, intensifying the race for knockout qualification. A total of eight teams will automatically secure a spot in the last 16. An additional 16 teams, ranked from ninth to 24th, will enter a two-legged playoff round to determine further qualifiers.
English clubs have shown strong performances, with Arsenal enjoying a flawless start. Manchester City, Newcastle, and Liverpool have also secured multiple wins. Tottenham and Chelsea are also in favorable positions. Conversely, some prominent clubs like Ajax and Benfica are facing early elimination after losing all their initial matches.
Qualification points vary yearly, but last season, 16 points were needed for the top eight, and 11 points secured a playoff spot. The final of the 2025/26 Champions League is scheduled for May 30, 2026, in Budapest.
