Who needs what heading into Matchday 6 of the Champions League?
The 2023/24 Champions League campaign has already thrown up its fair share of standout results and with just one group stage game to play, there are plenty of permutations out there for some of the biggest sides in European football.
It is crunch time for many, with only 16 sides able to progress to the knockout rounds and with so much at stake, it promises to be a fascinating final round of Champions League action on matchday 6.
Group A
Compelling viewing has been the order of the day in Champions League Group A, with three teams in with a shot of qualifying for the knockout rounds, heading into matchday 6.
German champions Bayern Munich are unbeaten so far in the Champions League this season, bagging 13 points from their opening 5 games and they will be looking to go all the way under Thomas Tuchel.
However, the race to join them in the last 16 has intensified, with FC Copenhagen, Galatasaray and Manchester United all in the mix to pinch the last spot. A win for Copenhagen or Galatasaray would see them through, as they face off in Denmark, whilst Manchester United will need to hope results go their way, as they host Bayern.
Group B
By contrast, the picture in Group B does look to be a little clearer, with Arsenal underlining their credentials by comfortably topping the group. 4 wins from 5 games has left Mikel Arteta’s side in full control and heading into the last 16.
Meanwhile, PSV Eindhoven have shown some real quality this term and they have their fate in their own hands, knowing any sort of result against Arsenal would see them through to the last 16. French side Lens could catch PSV, if they give Sevilla a thumping but it would appear that Arsenal and PSV should cruise into the knockout stages.
Group C
A similar story can be told in Group C, with Real Madrid bringing their A-game to the Champions League party once more, possessing a perfect record in this season’s competition. Below them, much-fancied Napoli should make the last 16 – barring a big slip up in their final game against Braga, with the Portuguese side having impressed this season. German minnows Union Berlin however have found it tough going this season and look to be focusing on preserving their Bundesliga status at this point.
Group D
Two of the dark horses in the competition have progressed seamlessly into the last 16 in Group D, with one group game to spare. Real Sociedad have finally come of age in this competition and top the group on goal difference from 2023 runners-up Inter Milan. Standing will be on the only thing on the line in matchday six, as RB Salzburg and Benfica battle it out to finish 3rd and clinch a Europa League spot.
Group E
Another two sides booked into the knockout stages are Atletico Madrid and Lazio, who have had too much quality when it matters for Feyenoord and Celtic. Both Atletico and Lazio will be chasing top spot in the group when they meet in Madrid, whilst Feyenoord will be looking to finish their group stage in style, against a beleaguered Celtic outfit.
Group F
The ‘Group of Death’ looks set to come to a head, with Borussia Dortmund having already booked their passage into the last 16. One remaining spot is up for grabs for PSG, Newcastle United and AC Milan – with the Parisian giants secure in the knowledge that a final day win would see them through to the knockout rounds. Newcastle and AC Milan meet on Tyneside, with all eyes sure to be on the action in Dortmund, as PSG have their fate in their own hands.
Group G
There is a familiar look to Group G, with defending champions Manchester City another side who possess a 100% record this season and they look to already have one eye on the last 16. RB Leipzig deserve credit for keeping pace with City and pushing them all the way and the Germans have also secured their place in the last 16. It has been a learning curve for Young Boys and Crvena Zvezda, with the Swiss side looking more likely to be playing in the Europa League after Christmas.
Group H
An intriguing battle looks in prospect in Group H, as whilst FC Barcelona have booked their place in the last 16 and Antwerp have crashed out – both FC Porto and Shakhtar Donetsk have a battle on their hands to progress. A straight hit between the two sides in Portugal promises to be a memorable one, with the winner heading through and the loser regressing down into the Europa League, with a draw enough to see FC Porto over the line.
Champions League MD 6 Fixtures
Group A
FC Copenhagen vs Galatasaray
Manchester United vs Bayern Munich
Group B
Lens vs Sevilla
PSV Eindhoven vs Arsenal
Group C
Napoli vs Braga
Union Berlin vs Real Madrid
Group D
Inter Milan vs Real Sociedad
RB Salzburg vs Benfica
Group E
Atletico Madrid vs Lazio
Celtic vs Feyenoord
Group F
Borussia Dortmund vs PSG
Newcastle United vs AC Milan
Group G
Crvena Zvezda vs Manchester City
RB Leipzig vs Young Boys
Group H
Antwerp vs Barcelona
Porto vs Shakhtar Donetsk
Author: ChampionsTravel
2023-12-12
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