Who will reach the knockout stage?
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
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Talking Point: With eight places in the knockout phase of the UEFA Champions League still up for grabs from six groups, there is plenty to play for on Matchday 6. Who do you think will make it through?
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With eight places in the knockout phase of the UEFA Champions League still up for grabs from six groups, there is plenty to play for on Matchday 6. Who do you think will go through?
Holders sweating
Given that only in groups D and E has the qualification equation been resolved, some of the biggest names in European football will be playing for their UEFA Champions League lives in the final round of matches – and nowhere more so than in Group F, where all four sides are still in with a chance. Holders FC Barcelona face a testing visit to FC Dynamo Kyiv and FC Internazionale Milano also face an eastern challenge when they host newly crowned Russian champions FC Rubin Kazan.
Debutant openings
Aside from Rubin, three other debutants remain in contention to advance. VfL Wolfsburg are aiming to match PFC CSKA Moskva's result in Group B with both sides locked on seven points, newcomers FC Unirea Urziceni travel to VfB Stuttgart needing a point from their Group G meeting to progress at the German side's expense, and R. Standard de Liège could yet advance if they beat AZ Alkmaar and Olympiacos FC slip up at home to Arsenal FC in Group H.
Giants to fall
In Group C, one former champion is sure to drop out as Real Madrid CF, AC Milan and Olympique de Marseille all vie for two places, while FC Bayern München must win away to Juventus in Group A to wrest a place in the last 16 from the Italian side. Who do you think emerge intact as the group stage reaches a tension-filled climax? Click below to have your say.