As the curtain falls on the group stages of the Champions League, the qualifiers for the next phase have been decided. Teams are now looking ahead to see who they draw in the knockout stages.
Bayern Munich, Arsenal, Real Madrid, and Real Sociedad were triumphant as they finished at the summit of their groups. The runners-up, who will also proceed to the knockout phase, include Copenhagen, PSV, Napoli, and Inter.
However, it’s a different story for others, who now find themselves relegated to the Europa League. Galatasaray, Lens, Braga, and Benfica will continue their European adventure in the less prestige tournament.
The tournament was less kind to others including Manchester United, Sevilla, Union Berlin, and RB Salzburg who fell short of qualifying, resulting in their elimination.
As clubs prepare for the next stages, fans around Europe eagerly anticipates the draw, knowing that the knockout stages are where the real excitement begins. It’s here that heroes are made, and dreams can either be fulfilled or shattered. The race for Europe’s elite title is truly heat up.
With the final whistle of the group games now blown, the Champions League’s unpredictability continues to mesmerize fans across the globe.