With most of the groups sorted out, the last remaining set of fixtures in the Champions League group stages remains more or less a formality. Barring a few matches, the dust has settled on the two qualifying teams from the groups and this last set of fixtures is more instrumental in determining the Europa league qualifiers and the table toppers.
Barring Groups H and B, the teams through to the knockout stages have already been determined. And the final set of fixtures will bring forth the names who are to be put in the pot as the first half of this season’s Champions League draws to a close.
#1 Group B – A race to the end
Of all the groups, this has been the group which has been hotly contested. Comprising the likes of Benfica, Napoli, Besiktas and Dynamo Kyiv this group has served up equally contested matches. For most neutrals, one would have expected Napoli to waltz across their opponents and top the group.
But the reality is quite different and sport has the effect of humbling even the mightiest. The Serie A side is tied for the second spot on goal difference and anything other than a win may jeopardise their chance of further progress.
A convincing win over Inter Milan at the weekend is sure to boost the confidence of the squad and the Partenopei Gli Azzurri, will hope that they can put one over their Portuguese opponents, Benfica, who suffered a defeat over the weekend.
Besiktas, on the other hand, head to Kyiv looking for a victory but they will keep a keen eye on the other set of matches happening in their group.
#2 Gunners will hope for a PSG slip
Arsenal missed a chance to top their Group when they failed to beat PSG at the Emirates in their last fixture. And the disappointment of the 2-2 draw was palpable as disgruntled supporters left the stadium with a familiar sense of dread that has ailed the European campaign of the Gunners in the past few seasons.
Although it is conceivable that PSG may be outdone by Ludogorets, it seems more than unlikely especially for a side which has already conceded 13 goals in their 5 Group A fixtures. Finishing second in a Champions League group is not to be looked down upon but it does leave Arsenal open to another fixture against the heavyweights of the Champions League.
At the time, Arsene Wenger stated sagely, “At the moment we are second, but it’s not over. But if we do finish there, you can’t guess whether that’s good or bad. You have to wait for the draw.” Despite that Arsenal will look to win their fixture against Basel which will see the Xhaka brothers go up against each other.
#3 Will the Yellow Submarine sink at Santiago Bernabeu?
Both teams come into this fixture aware that the winner of the fixture will top the group. Madrid currently lies 2 points behind table toppers Dortmund aware that only a victory will see them snatch top spot. With no threat to their dominance in the group stages, this fixture will be a test for both the managers especially in terms of tactics.
The sides played out a thrilling 2-2 draw the last time these sides met and the Head to Head record across the past 5 fixtures shows 2 wins for each side with a draw sandwiched between. And if the teams stay true to the script then one might just see the unravelling of the German club at the Bernabeu.
Nevertheless, one expects Dortmund to swarm their opponents with their energy and vigour as they look for a historic victory at arguably the most famous stadium in the world. Madrid, on the other hand, come into this fixture on a high after snatching a draw in the El Clasico and one can expect them to go for the victory.
#4 Outside bet Lyon face test against Sevilla
The Ligue 1 team’s game against Metz was abandoned over the weekend and thankfully goalkeeper Anthony Lopes has not suffered any lasting damage after firecrackers were thrown at him. The keeper though has been diagnosed with post-traumatic hearing loss after a firecracker exploded beside him.
Lyon, who are three points behind Spanish side, Sevilla, will have an outright chance to finish second in their group if they beat Jorge Sampaoli’s men by two clear goals or more. The Spanish side suffered a 2-1 defeat to Granada over the weekend and will have to focus themselves if they are to qualify for the knockout stages.
Juventus are already through to the knockout stages and they will look to consolidate their position as leaders of the Group when they welcome Dinamo Zagreb.
#5 Barcelona and Manchester City will test squad depth
The final fixtures of Group C will be an opportunity for the sides to test their squad strength. And it will be interesting to see the squad Guardiola puts out in lieu of the disciplinary breakdown on Saturday.
The Blaugranas, on the other hand, will quickly have to figure out a winning formula if they are to challenge Madrid for the league title. And the European fixture will offer his side some relief and respite in a competition where the side has done well over the years.
With all the positions settled in the Group, it will be interesting to see whether the City-Celtic game again serves up a thrilling tie like the earlier one or will it be business as usual for City. Brendan Rodgers will again have the opportunity of putting one past City as he brings his Celtic squad to town.
