Barcelona enjoyed a 2-1 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League in midweek but remain two points off the top eight – and automatic qualification to the next round – following the completion of the latest round of fixtures.
Hansi Flick’s side sit down in 15th place in the table with 12 points from six games and a goal difference of plus three ahead of their final two matches in the group phase against Slavia Prague and FC Copenhagen.
Five teams have already qualified for the knockout
phase already – Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City and Atalanta – as the race to progress really starts to hot up.
All of which means there are now just two points separating Inter in sixth place in the table from Barcelona down in 15th.
Here’s a look at how things are shaping up.
The situation means Flick’s side have work do ahead of their remaining games. Victories will be essential to secure a top eight place, while goal difference also looks like it may be crucial this year.
Flick admitted as much after seeing his side come from behind to beat Frankfurt.
“We have to focus on ourselves and on getting six more points than we have now. Of course, goal difference is important,” he said.
“We’re taking it game by game. It’s not easy to play in the Champions League. All the opponents hurt you. They fight. It’s the top competition in Europe and perhaps the world.”
On paper at least, Barcelona have a fairly kind fixture list but may have to win big if they are to reach the top eight. As things stand, it looks more likely they will go into the play-offs, but there’s a lot of football still to be played.
Will Barca make it into the top eight? Let us know your thoughts on this season’s Champions League in the comments below!
