What do Barcelona need to finish in top 8 of the Champions League?
Barcelona gave their hopes of automatic qualification to the Champions League knockout phase a boost on Wednesday night by beating Slavia Prague 4-2.
The win sees Hansi Flick’s side rise into ninth place in the standings, with 13 points, ahead of the final round of group phase fixtures next week. Barca finish off their campaign with a home match against FC Copenhagen.
The top eight teams will all progress straight to the next round, while teams finishing between between 9th and 24th will go into the play-offs.
One look at the Champions League table shows you have tight things are. There are eight teams on 13 points, from PSG in sixth spot down to Atalanta in 13th.
So what do Barcelona need to secure a place in the top eight? Well, Flick’s side must beat Copenhagen and then wait and see what happens next.
The good news for Barcelona is that two teams above them in the table – Newcastle and PSG – will face off in the final round of fixtures and can therefore take points off each other.
Goal difference is also likely to prove crucial when it comes to a top eight spot. Barcelona are currently on +5 but know that PSG, Newcastle and Chelsea all have better records.
Flick is hopeful his team can get the job done next weekend and highlighted the importance of avoiding a play-off in a congested season.
“We have the opportunity to finish in the top eight, and that’s our goal,” he told reporters.
“We didn’t start this Champions League well, but ultimately we have a chance to be among the eight, and that’s what we want, because it would mean having two fewer games and would help us recover.
“But if we have to play two games, we’ll play them.”
Which teams do you think will make the top eight? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Source: barcablaugranes.com
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