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Twelve clubs have already secured their places in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16, but the intrigue before the final 6th group stage matchday is still strong - four teams can still catch the "train" of the elite tournament knockout stage. All teams that have secured the first two places will progress, while those in third positions will have to settle for the opportunity to continue their European campaign in the UEFA Europa League. EuroFootball.com takes a look at the situation in Groups E, F, G, and H before the crucial matchday.
Group E
Standings: 1. Lyon 5 4 1 0 11-2 13 2. Real 5 3 1 1 12-4 10 3. Steaua 5 1 1 3 6-10 4 4. Dinamo 5 0 1 4 3-14 1
Last matchday: Dinamo - Real Lyon - Steaua
Group F, where everything was settled on the final matchday. Lyon lost their first points against Real in Madrid, but the long-time French champions had enough to secure first place. The Spanish royal club remained in second place, while Bucharest's Steaua, who also drew with Kiev's Dinamo, secured a ticket to the UEFA Europa League. In the final matches, Dinamo will try to end their losing streak and secure a win at home against Real, while Lyon's coach Gerard Houllier will most likely use the match against Steaua as a chance to test substitute players.
Group F
Standings: 1. Celtic 5 3 0 2 7-6 9 2. Man Utd 5 3 0 2 7-4 9 3. Benfica 5 2 1 2 6-5 7 4. Kobenhavn 5 1 1 3 2-7 4
Last matchday: Man Utd - Benfica Kobenhavn - Celtic
In the middle of October, the favorites Man Utd confidently led the group, but later the 1999 champions experienced two unexpected failures away and now for the second year in a row will have to fight for survival in the final matchday against Lisbon's Benfica. However, this time the English club's task is much easier than last season - they only need a draw at home, while the Portuguese team needs three points. Celtic's victory against Ferguson's proteges allowed them to secure a ticket to the Round of 16 for the first time in the club's history. In the sixth match, the Scottish team only needs to play against the already eliminated Kobenhavn to maintain first place, while Benfica will face a tough match against Man Utd.
Group G
Standings: 1. Arsenal 5 3 1 1 7-3 10 2. Porto 5 3 1 1 9-4 10 3. CSKA 5 2 2 1 2-2 8 4. Hamburger 5 0 0 5 4-13 0
Last matchday: Porto - Arsenal Hamburger - CSKA
Without a doubt the most intriguing group, where no team is guaranteed a spot in the next stage - London's Arsenal, Porto, and CSKA with Deivid Šemberas still vie for two tickets to the Round of 16. The intrigue could be 'killed' by the fact that a draw at home against Porto for both teams with 10 points would be enough, but it must not be forgotten that both teams also want to win the group - for Porto to achieve this goal, they need a victory. Meanwhile, CSKA Moscow, which had been the leader but complicated their situation significantly after a defeat to Porto at home, must win against the winless Hamburger away and hope for a favorable result (not a draw) in Portugal.
Group H
Standings: 1. Milan 5 3 1 1 8-2 10 2. AEK 5 2 1 2 4-7 7 3. Lille 5 1 3 1 6-5 6 4. Anderlecht 5 0 3 2 5-9 3
Last matchday: Anderlecht - AEK Milan - Lille
Since Milan has already secured the first position, AEK and Lille will compete for a spot in the next stage. The Greeks, who have secured two wins in the league for the first time in the club's history, are in a better position, and a draw against Anderlecht in Brussels is enough for them. Lille also needs help from Anderlecht and must play at least a draw, which can be achieved by taking advantage of the fact that Milan is likely to play with less than full strength. Meanwhile, the fourth team in the group, Belgian champions Anderlecht, should not give up hope yet and, in case of a victory against AEK and Lille's failure, could secure third place and a chance to play in the UEFA Europa League.
