We are edging ever closer to the conclusion of the inaugural league phase of the Uefa Champions League and there is plenty to play for on Matchday 7.
Here we take a look at the key talking points and things to look out for in the latest round of matches.
Tuesday (All kick-off times 9pm CET - 10pm SAST unless stated)
Atalanta v Sturm Graz (6.45pm CET - 7.45pm SAST)
A 1-0 home win over Sturm Graz in Group D gave Atalanta early encouragement on their road to Uefa Europa League glory last season and now, with hopes of climbing from 13th in the league phase table, Gian Piero Gasperini's charges are welcoming the Austrian side back to Bergamo. Atalanta were unbeaten in the league phase until their 3-2 home defeat by Real Madrid on Matchday 6 but their confidence was hardly diminished after a compelling performance. "We showed that we can compete against a team full of champions," said forward Ademola Lookman.
Sturm Graz have only taken three points from their six league phase games, narrowly missing out on the chance to add to that tally after Hákon Arnar Haraldsson struck a late winner for Lille on Matchday 6. That result leaves them 29th and they have also lost forward Mika Biereth (to Monaco) and fullback Jusuf Gazibegović (to Köln) during the winter break. Sturm do not return to domestic action until the end of the month but with new boss Jürgen Säumel having put a spring in their step toward the end of 2024, they should not be written off.
Did you know?
Sturm Graz have only won one of their 14 meetings with Italian sides in Uefa competitions, drawing six and losing seven.
Monaco v Aston Villa (6.45pm CET - 7.45pm SAST)
After suffering consecutive defeats, 16th-placed Monaco will hope to recover the form they showed earlier in their league phase campaign. Adi Hütter's side took three wins from their opening four, including a statement victory over Barcelona, before suffering setbacks against Benfica and Arsenal. A more ruthless edge, it is hoped, can improve their fortunes against another strong English opponent. "We have to learn from the moments where we couldn't finish, become more efficient and then I think we have every chance of going through," said captain Thilo Kehrer.
Ross Barkley's 85th-minute winner at Leipzig helped Aston Villa return to winning ways and climb to fifth, after a draw with Juventus and a loss at Club Brugge had temporarily stalled their momentum. While dealing a blow to Leipzig, whose elimination was confirmed, the victory only added to the buzz around the club on their return to the competition. "It's exciting!" beamed goalscorer John McGinn. "We're taking each game as it comes, but if we get into the top eight, that's brilliant. That's the target now."
Did you know?
Monaco have won 11 of their 21 meetings (D4 L6) with English sides in UEFA competitions.
S. Bratislava v Stuttgart
Slovan Bratislava can no longer secure a knockout phase place but coach Vladimír Weiss is determined to make the most of their remaining league phase games. "We want to leave a good impression," he said following the 3-1 loss at Atleti that sealed their elimination. There were positives to be taken from that performance, Weiss believing his side only lacked the precision finishing Julián Alvarez and Antoine Griezmann displayed at the other end. But having scored in their last three, they are slowly adding the finishing touches which could propel them to their first league phase points.
Stuttgart flipped the script on Matchday 6, surging to a 5-1 win over Young Boys after suffering defeat by the same scoreline in their previous league phase match. Five different scorers were on target at Arena Stuttgart to secure their second win of the campaign, moving them 26th in the league phase table. The pressure is on but goalscorer Angelo Stiller believes that anything is possible ahead of two decisive matches. "It was like a dam breaking, with the euphoria that it set off amongst the fans," the midfielder said. "With them behind us, we are always a threat."
Did you know?
This is the third meeting between S. Bratislava and Stuttgart in Uefa competitions, the German side winning on the road before drawing at home in two encounters in 2010.
Club Brugge v Juventus
A 2-0 home win over Juventus in April 1978 saw Club Brugge advance to that year's European Cup final, where they would be defeated 1-0 by Liverpool. The Belgian side have reason to be confident as they look to repeat that feat at Jan Breydelstadion in 2025. Unbeaten in their last three, a 2-1 win over Sporting CP last time out places them 19th as they prepare for their final home game in the league phase. Coach Nicky Hayen voiced his pride after that important victory but was quick to refocus. "We always want more," he said, echoing the defiance that helped Club Brugge shock the competition all those years ago.
More recent history is on the side of Juventus, who triumphed home and away against Club Brugge during the 2005/06 Champions League season and their form is encouraging too. Juventus are also unbeaten in three, claiming a particularly impressive 2-0 win over Manchester City – Club Brugge's Matchday 8 opponents – in their last outing. But with everything to play for as the inaugural league phase approaches its conclusion, coach Thiago Motta is refusing to let confidence become complacency. "It makes you more alert and more focused," he said of the new format. "You play against teams with very different styles and you have to prepare well for every game."
Did you know?
Juventus have won eight of their 12 fixtures (D2 L2) against Belgian sides in Uefa competitions, their last defeat coming against Anderlecht in 1981.
Atleti v Leverkusen
Atleti earned their third consecutive league phase win on Matchday 6, defeating Slovan Bratislava 3-1 at the Estadio Metropolitano to climb to 11th. Diego Simeone's side are in sparkling domestic form too, having been at the top of the La Liga tree over Christmas after a dramatic 2-1 triumph away at Barcelona on 21 December. "The counterattack to win it was exquisite," remarked Simeone, who praised his team's ability to frustrate an expansive Barcelona side. Those tools may prove useful against Leverkusen, who have held 52.3% possession on average during their league phase campaign and boast the second-highest passing accuracy (90.3%) of any side.
Xabi Alonso's side have strong credentials when it comes to unlocking tough defences, though. Fourth-placed Leverkusen became the first team in the league phase to breach Inter's defence in their last match, Nordi Mukiele striking the game's lone goal in the 90th minute. A fourth clean sheet – a number only matched or bettered by five other teams – provides further cause for optimism as they prepare to tussle with Atleti's star-studded attack. "We had to be on our guard the whole time," said midfielder Granit Xhaka.
Did you know?
This is the 11th meeting between Atleti and Leverkusen in Uefa competitions, with the previous encounters perfectly split – three wins apiece to go along with four draws.
Benfica v Barcelona
A goal was the only thing missing from a strong Benfica performance against Bologna on Matchday 6. "The ball didn't want to go in," sighed defender Nicolás Otamendi following the 0-0 draw in Lisbon which left them 15th. A final home game of the league phase awaits them but they must overcome second-placed Barcelona to bounce back. The visitors have the edge on current standing but the hosts can take confidence from Barcelona's last visit to their stadium in the Champions League – a 3-0 Benfica win in September 2021.
Barcelona became the second side to confirm their place in the knockout phase on Matchday 6, a double from substitute Ferran Torres helping them to a 3-2 victory in Dortmund. Hansi Flick's side have won five consecutive games since their Matchday 1 defeat at Monaco, lead the competition in terms of goals scored (21) and only trail Liverpool in the league phase table. Nothing can be taken for granted, though, particularly amidst a dip in their domestic form. "We have two very tough final tasks ahead of us with Benfica and Atalanta," reminded winger Lamine Yamal at BVB Stadion Dortmund.
Did you know?
Benfica and Barcelona have faced off in nine Uefa competition matches previously, with the Catalan club boasting the slightly stronger record (W3 D4 L2).
Liverpool v Lille
After missing from the spot against Real Madrid, Mohamed Salah sealed Liverpool's sixth league phase win with a precise second-half penalty in Girona. The Reds have not conceded since the third minute of their opening game against Milan but their latest win, at least according to Arne Slot, did not come without hints of vulnerability. "Girona had a really good game plan today but we had a really good goalkeeper," the Dutch coach said, underlining the crucial interventions made by the returning Alisson Becker.
Seven places behind the league leaders, Lille are another standout performer of the inaugural league phase. The French side's lone defeat came at Sporting CP on Matchday 1 and they have since claimed four wins and a draw, including triumphs over Real Madrid and Atleti. "These are moments in your career that you'll never forget," said defender Thomas Meunier after their most recent victory, a 3-2 win against a determined Sturm Graz. "This (campaign) has shown that we don't have to back down from anyone."
Did you know?
These sides met in the Europa League round of 16 in 2010, a 3-0 win at Anfield securing progression for Liverpool after a 1-0 defeat in Lille.
Bologna v B. Dortmund
Bologna increased their points tally to two as they drew 0-0 away at Benfica on Matchday 6, meaning a knockout phase place remains a mathematical possibility despite sitting 33rd. Vincenzo Italiano's side will have sights firmly set on a first league phase win and can take encouragement from a strong performance in Lisbon. "We needed time but we've grown and it's showing," said goalkeeper Łukasz Skorupski.
A 3-2 defeat against Barcelona leaves Dortmund just short of the top eight places going into Matchday 7, though they are only one point shy of third-placed Arsenal. After suffering the second defeat of his first season managing in the Champions League (to go along with four wins), Nuri Sahin cut a frustrated figure at the full-time whistle. "We have to win these games and not make the mistakes we did," he said. "There is simply no room for error at this level."
Did you know?
Bologna have drawn both of their previous meetings with German sides in Uefa competitions, drawing 0-0 and then 1-1 against Vorwärts Berlin in 1970.
Crvena Zvezda v PSV
After claiming their first win and first points of the league phase against Stuttgart on Matchday 5, only a late Tammy Abraham winner for Milan prevented Crvena Zvezda from adding to their tally last time out. "If we play like we did today and against Stuttgart, we can win the two remaining games against PSV and Young Boys," said goalkeeper Ivan Guteša. Placed 31st ahead of their final home game of the league phase but still in contention for the knockout phase, they will hope to vindicate that belief.
PSV's four-match unbeaten run was ended away at Brest after Julien Le Cardinal struck decisively in the first half. "We were unrecognisable," rued forward Luuk de Jong after a disappointing performance. Peter Bosz's side have an even two wins, draws, and losses as they travel to Belgrade in 23rd place. Will they rediscover the form that powered them to consecutive wins prior to defeat in Guingamp? Bosz will certainly hope so after what he called "the worst match in my time as coach of PSV."
Did you know?
This is the third Champions League meeting between these two sides, who traded home wins, including a 3-2 thriller in Belgrade, in 2004.
Wednesday (All kick-off times 9pm CET - 10pm SAST unless stated)
Leipzig v Sporting CP (6.45pm CET - 7.45pm SAST)
Point-less Leipzig have only pride left to play for after their elimination was confirmed with defeat to Aston Villa on Matchday 6. "We left everything on the pitch in every single game," midfielder Christoph Baumgartner told Uefa.com. "They've been tough, intense weeks. We have to be honest, we just didn't have enough." Marco Rose's side will hope to at least give their home fans something to smile about on Wednesday.
In contrast, Sporting CP are still well in the hunt for a place in the knockout phase after amassing 10 points, although they have lost their last two matches in the tournament to Arsenal and Club Brugge. New coach Rui Borges will hope to make an immediate impact in Europe, and a victory in Germany would leave them in a great position ahead of a final league phase game at home against Bologna.
Did you know?
Sporting CP have scored in each of their last 17 Uefa competition matches.
Shakhtar v Brest (6.45pm CET - 7.45pm SAST)
With four points from six matches, Shakhtar have much to do in order to keep their hopes of qualification alive. Striker Lassina Traoré is still confident his side have what it takes to pull that off, telling Uefa.com: "We still have a chance, it's football. We have to keep calm, keep going and try to take our chances."
High-flying Brest are one of the stories of the league phase so far, with the debutants winning four of their six games, most recently on Matchday 6 where a heroic performance from goalkeeper Marco Bizot inspired a 1-0 victory over PSV. Coach Éric Roy described that triumph as "our best result yet", but three points against Shakhtar could surpass it and secure Brest participation in European knockout football for the first time.
Did you know?
Only one of Shakhtar's last 28 Uefa competition matches has finished in a goalless draw.
Real Madrid v Salzburg
The pressure was truly on for holders Madrid when they faced a tricky-looking trip to Atalanta on Matchday 6 on the back of consecutive defeats to Milan and Liverpool. But as they have done so many times in this tournament, Los Blancos rose up to the challenge to secure an impressive 3-2 win and get their campaign back on track. "It's still difficult to finish in the top eight but we have two games left to earn points," said coach Carlo Ancelotti. You certainly wouldn't rule it out.
Salzburg have endured a challenging campaign so far, with one win and five defeats leaving them in danger of elimination ahead of a difficult final two matches against Real and cross-city rivals Atleti. Goalkeeper Alexander Schlager is remaining positive, however: "We have to take a lot from the games we've had so far in the Champions League, learn a lot and enjoy the last two games in January."
Did you know?
Madrid's Jude Bellingham became the youngest player to make 40 Champions League appearances on Matchday 6 at the age of 21 years 164 days, beating ex-Los Blancos goalkeeper Iker Casillas (21 years 275 days).
Paris v Man City
A repeat of the 2020/21 semi-final and 2015/16 quarter-final, both these sides were expected to be flying high near the top of the table but have instead experienced numerous challenges in the league phase. Paris have recorded just two victories from six, while City are winless in their last three matches in the tournament, making Wednesday's high-profile encounter an extremely important meeting.
"We don't have the number of points we should have," insisted Paris coach Luis Enrique. "We have to go game by game, and now we have City." City manager Pep Guardiola, who can call on former Ligue 1 stars Bernardo Silva and Jérémy Doku, added: "It's a bad time for us, we're struggling but our way of playing will save us, it will bring us victories." It's not a knockout phase tie but this intriguing encounter feels almost just as important for both these teams.
Did you know?
City have lost just one of the seven games between these sides in Uefa competition (W4 D2).
Sparta Praha v Inter
Despite a positive start to their league phase campaign with a 3-0 win over Salzburg, Sparta have now lost their last four matches in the tournament, conceding 17 goals in the process. "I am happy to see how we bounced back but it was not good enough," said coach Lars Friis following the 4-2 defeat to Feyenoord. "We need to get something out of the next games." Victory over Inter would certainly provide a boost going into a Matchday 8 trip to Leverkusen.
It was the German champions who inflicted Inter's first defeat of the league phase with a 1-0 win on Matchday 6, a result which also saw the Nerazzurri concede their first goal of the tournament. Nevertheless, Simone Inzaghi's side still have a strong chance of finishing in the top eight and qualifying for knockout Champions League football for a fourth successive season. "We lost to a very strong team who made it very difficult for us," admitted goalkeeper Yann Sommer after that Leverkusen loss. "But we still have everything in our hands in this competition."
Did you know?
Inter's defeat to Leverkusen was their first group stage/league phase loss in their previous 11 games (W7 D4).
Arsenal v GNK Dinamo
A solid campaign thus far from Arsenal has seen the Gunners collect 13 points from a possible 18, while Mikel Arteta's side have conceded just two goals. Youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly, who created an assist in the 3-0 win against Monaco on Matchday 6, could be given another opportunity to shine against GNK Dinamo. "He is one of our own and a joy to watch," Arteta said of the 18-year-old. "It's great we can trust him to play in this environment."
Dinamo's qualification hopes are still very much alive following a battling 0-0 draw with Celtic on Matchday 6, although they won't have it easy with the trip to London followed by a home game against Milan. "In the Champions League, we have two important games ahead of us," said new coach Fabio Cannavaro. "I will demand sacrifice from the players from now until the end of the season. A footballer's career is short and must be used to the maximum. The level of motivation will be top notch against Arsenal."
Did you know?
Arsenal have lost only one of their last 26 Uefa club competition group stage/league phase matches at home (W22 D3).
Celtic v Young Boys
"In the Champions League, if you get a clean sheet and take a point away from home and you're not very happy, that shows how the team has progressed." That was Celtic coach Brendan Rodgers' honest assessment on the draw with GNK Dinamo which left his team on nine points and in 21st place going into the final two matchdays. It has been 12 years since the Hoops have progressed to the knockout stage of Europe's elite competition but they now have a golden opportunity to move to the brink of qualification.
Young Boys are rooted to the bottom of the table following a challenging campaign in which they have lost every game thus far, including three away matches which have seen them ship 12 goals. New coach Giorgio Contini is keen to draw a line under those previous showings as he prepares for his first Champions League game at the YB helm. "The team gave me a good reception," he said. "I shared my values with the players and explained the ambitions with which we want to start working together."
Did you know?
Young Boys have lost their last seven matches in the Champions League proper, their longest sequence of successive defeats in the competition.
Feyenoord v Bayern München
Feyenoord have been the great entertainers in this season's Champions League, with three of their games producing four goals, one five goals and two six. Brian Priske's team were at their free-flowing attacking best on Matchday 6, with four different scorers contributing in a 4-2 win over Sparta Praha. Priske has demanded defensive improvements, however, saying: "Focus is the one reason they came back. It is important to defend better in some moments. Big praise to this group but we are not there yet."
Bayern are another side who have not found goals difficult to come by, and they scored five in a big victory over Shakhtar on Matchday 6, Michael Olise particularly impressing with a double. "I think when you're in a system that suits your style of play and that everyone's happy with and enjoying playing in, then it's simple to just come in, enjoy your football and not think about anything else," said the French midfielder. Expect plenty of entertainment at De Kuip.
Did you know?
Feyenoord scored four goals in a match in the Champions League proper for the first time against Sparta.
Milan v Girona
It was looking like an uphill battle for Milan after they lost their first two league phase games but the Rossoneri have bounced back mightily impressively with four straight wins against Club Brugge, Real Madrid, Slovan Bratislava and, most recently, Crvena Zvezda. "I believe in the possibility of making it into the top eight," striker Tammy Abraham confidently told Uefa.com. "We are an incredible group; everyone knows it and we have to prove it. We must attack and defend as a team."
For debutants Girona, meanwhile, their narrow defeat to Liverpool on Matchday 6 was their fifth in their six games in the tournament, and they will now require something special if they are to play knockout European football for the first time. "This is an apprenticeship," midfielder Miguel Gutíerrez admitted. "We're playing all over Europe, and that gives you huge experience. But listen, we aren't out yet, this isn't finished. Until we can't mathematically qualify we'll fight."
Did you know?
Milan have won four successive group stage/league phase matches in the same edition of the Champions League for the first time since the 2002/03 season – a tournament they went on to win.
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