Champions League Matchday 6: Wednesday game-by-game preview

The 2023/24 UEFA Champions League group stage is coming to an end; get abreast of the final batch of fixtures coming up on Wednesday of Matchday 6.

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Wednesday 13 December

Leipzig vs Young Boys (18:45)

Leipzig midfielder Nicolas Seiwald reflected on their 3-2 defeat at Man City that confirmed the Bundesliga side's place in the last 16 as group runners-up. "It was so difficult to keep the intensity up over 90 minutes, and Man City pounced on that," he said. "The first half has shown us that we can keep up with top teams over 45 minutes, now we just have to do that over 90." Raphael Wicky's team will play Europa League football in the spring so the pressure is off for the Swiss outfit. "We set the objective that we would like to still be in Europe in 2024, which we achieved," said the Young Boys coach. "I think we can be very proud of what we have done."

Did you know?
Young Boys' 2-0 win over Crvena zvezda on Matchday 5 was the first time they have kept a clean sheet in a Champions League group stage match.

Crvena zvezda vs Man City (18:45)

City's victory over Leipzig sealed top spot and midfielder Phil Foden is looking forward to the game against eliminated Crvena zvezda without the stress of worrying about qualification. "It's such a nice feeling to go into the last game [as group winners]," he said. "We deserve to be in the position we are, so we can enjoy ourselves and not feel any pressure. It's always nice when you qualify early and the pressure isn't on in the last game." Meanwhile, home coach Barak Bakhar is hoping to restore some pride in his team's final outing, saying: "The fault lies with all of us. It is a failure that we finished last in the group."

Did you know?
Man City have scored three goals in each of their last six Champions League group stage matches.

Atlético de Madrid vs Lazio (21:00)

First place is on the line in the Spanish capital, with Lazio needing a victory to deny Diego Simeone's men that honour. Atlético have not finished top of their section in their past six attempts, failing to qualify on two occasions – a fact that is not lost on the Argentinian coach. "It's always important to finish as high as possible but it's been years since we've been able to reach the end [of the group stage] with this peace of mind," he said. Lazio midfielder Nicolò Rovella insists his team are focused on the summit, saying: "We will definitely play to win in Madrid. It will be a crucial game."

Did you know?
Lazio have won successive Champions League group stage matches for the first time since 2001/02.

Celtic vs Feyenoord (21:00)

Feyenoord are certain to finish third, meaning Celtic's goal from this meeting will be to at least end the group stage with a victory to their name. Goalkeeper Joe Hart was frank in his assessment of the Scottish side in this campaign and where they need to improve if they are to claim the points in this final encounter. "It's not just about playing good football, it's about getting results," he said. "I think we do fight but we're not a 100-minute fighting team in the Champions League. When the tiredness kicks in, that's when we need to go again."

Did you know?
Celtic are without a win in their last 15 Champions League group stage matches (D3 L12), since a 3-0 victory away at Anderlecht in September 2017.

Dortmund vs Paris (21:00)

Dortmund's fine 3-1 success at Milan rubber-stamped their place in the round of 16 and Paris will join them, as group winners, if they can beat the German outfit for the second time in this section. "The most important thing is to focus on ourselves," said coach Luis Enrique. "If we win, we're going to finish first, but even if we lose, we could go through to the next phase. It's so complicated, but I hope we can make it easier by winning against Dortmund." Borussia defender Mats Hummels insists his team will not hold back against Enrique's men. "We want to get first spot and avoid the crazy good teams," he said. "We don't want to go out in the round of 16."

Did you know?
Paris have scored in each of their last 49 Champions League group stage matches, since a 1-0 defeat away to Real Madrid in November 2015.

Newcastle vs Milan (21:00)

These sides will be keeping a close eye on the Paris scoreline but know they have to win regardless if they are to have any hope of snatching a place in the round of 16. Midfielder Bruno Guimarães believes the Magpies can beat the odds to progress, saying: "We have to keep the faith. We still have one game at home and hope our fans make an amazing atmosphere, and we can do what we have to do." The message is the same from the Milan camp, though, with Ruben Loftus-Cheek dreaming of a triumphant return to England. "We need to remain hopeful we can do the job in Newcastle," he said.

Did you know?
Milan have only scored three goals across their last seven Champions League matches.

Porto vs Shakhtar Donetsk (21:00)

Both teams sit on nine points in Group H and it all comes down to this head-to-head meeting for a last-16 berth, with Porto holding a slight advantage given they only need a draw to advance. The Ukrainian side believe a fairy-tale progression is still on the cards, however. "No one expected us to be in contention for the knockouts heading into the final matchday, but this is our little dream. We hope to realise it," said defender Valeriy Bondar, with midfielder Oleksandr Zubkov adding: "We can allow ourselves to dream a bit. It will be the decisive game, full of emotions."

Did you know?
Shakhtar have won successive Champions League group stage matches for the first time since the 2017/18 season, when they won back-to-back games against Feyenoord.

Antwerp vs Barcelona (21:00)

The visitors only need a point to be absolutely sure of first place, while the home side require one to avoid ending the group stage with six defeats. Barcelona defender Jules Koundé outlined their relief at qualifying with a game to spare thanks to their 2-1 success over Porto on Matchday 5. "We feel really satisfied, really happy to qualify for the knockout round after two straight seasons without staying in this competition," he said. "It's demanding here at Barcelona."

Did you know?
Antwerp are the only team in this season's group stage yet to pick up a point.