The UEFA Champions League group stage concluded with spectacular drama on Wednesday, cementing the fates of Europe’s elite clubs. While powerhouses Liverpool, Manchester City, and Barcelona secured smooth passage into the last 16, the reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain and the record-holding Real Madrid were condemned to the precarious knockout play-off round.
At a vibrant Anfield, Liverpool delivered a commanding 6-0 demolition of Qarabag. The rout featured a long-awaited goal from Mohamed Salah, his first since early November, alongside a brace from Alexis Mac Allister. The victory sealed a third-place finish in the overall league-phase table for the Premier League champions.
Manchester City, the 2023 titleholders, affirmed their dominance with a 2-0 triumph over Galatasaray at the Etihad Stadium. Strikes from Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki propelled them to an eighth-place finish. Similarly, Barcelona showcased resilience at Camp Nou, overturning an early deficit against FC Copenhagen with a 4-1 victory, powered by goals from Robert Lewandowski and a deflected effort from young sensation Lamine Yamal.
The night, however, was defined by stunning upsets. Real Madrid’s campaign took a disastrous turn in a 4-2 defeat at Benfica. Despite a Kylian Mbappé brace, the match descended into chaos with two late red cards for Madrid. The spectacle reached its peak in the 98th minute when Benfica’s goalkeeper, Anatoliy Trubin, soared to head in a dramatic winning goal, snatching the final play-off spot and denying Madrid direct qualification.
In Paris, holders PSG were held to a 1-1 draw by a determined Newcastle United. A first-half strike from Vitinha was canceled out by Joe Willock, leaving the French giants to navigate the perilous play-offs, a path they successfully traversed last season. They will be joined by other notable clubs including Inter Milan and Juventus, who both missed out on top-eight finishes despite positive results.
The play-off draw now sets the stage for high-stakes rematches and unexpected clashes, ensuring the road to Champions League glory remains intensely competitive.