Liverpool, Manchester City, and Barcelona have all secured their places in the Champions League last 16, following a dramatic conclusion to the league phase on Wednesday. The three European giants avoided the knockout phase play-offs after finishing in the top eight.
Liverpool delivered a resounding performance, thrashing Qarabag 6-0 at Anfield. Alexis Mac Allister scored twice, while Florian Wirtz, Mohamed Salah, Hugo Ekitike, and Federico Chiesa each added a goal to seal the victory. The win ensured Liverpool finished third in the league phase. Liverpool manager Arne Slot will hope for a favorable draw in the next round, with the team set to play the first leg away from home on March 10 or 11, and the return leg at Anfield on March 17 or 18. Possible opponents for Liverpool include Juventus and Atlético Madrid. The draw for the round of 16 will take place on February 27.
Manchester City also advanced to the last 16 with a 2-0 victory over Galatasaray at the Etihad Stadium. Erling Haaland ended his goal drought with the opening goal, while Rayan Cherki added a second to secure the win. The win helped City finish eighth in the league phase. Potential opponents for Man City in the round of 16 include Real Madrid, Inter, Bodo/Glimt, or Benfica.
Barcelona secured their spot in the last 16 with a 4-1 comeback win against FC Copenhagen at Camp Nou. After going down early, goals from Robert Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Marcus Rashford sealed the victory for the Catalan side. Barcelona finished fifth in the standings. Barcelona will face one of the teams that finished 11th, 12th, 21st, or 22nd in the league phase standings.
Five English clubs in total have made it to the last 16: Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea, and Tottenham secured a top-eight finish, joining Arsenal who had already qualified. Reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid did not secure a top-eight finish and will have to go through the knockout play-offs.
