\n<\/p>\n
This is where things get interesting.<\/p>\n
Let’s start with the easy bit. For Real Madrid and Liverpool, both on 15 points, and Tottenham, on 14 points, a victory on matchday eight will secure direct entry into the last-16 draw.<\/p>\n
While Spurs face already eliminated Eintracht Frankfurt in Germany, Arne Slot’s side are at home to Qarabag, who can still make the top eight.<\/p>\n
“It’s very important as you miss the play-offs, and it helps with the intense programme that we’re having,” Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk told Uefa.<\/p>\n
“It’s all down to us again next week, at home. Let’s make sure we’re in the top eight. We’ve put ourselves in a good position, but that’s for next week.”<\/p>\n
Madrid are away to Joe Mourinho’s Benfica, who need a win to have a chance of sneaking into the play-offs.<\/p>\n
Behind Spurs come a group of eight teams, starting with holders Paris St-Germain in sixth down to Atalanta in 13th, on 13 points.<\/p>\n
Newcastle, Chelsea and Manchester City are all in that group needing a win – and even then knowing their fate could come down to goal difference.<\/p>\n
Eddie Howe’s side face the daunting task of travelling to PSG, while Chelsea are away to Napoli and City host Galatasaray.<\/p>\n
Everyone down to Qarabag in 18th still have a mathematical chance of automatically advancing.<\/p>\n
That is in part because, remarkably, despite 16 teams still being in contention for the six remaining top-eight spots, only two of the 18 matches next Wednesday have those sides facing each other.<\/p>\n
Newcastle’s trip to Paris is one, Borussia Dortmund at home to Inter Milan is the other.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n