With as many as four teams, Spain is the best represented in the knockout stage of the Champions League. There are only two English contenders left for the Champions League victory. Manchester United and Newcastle United have caused a low point.
The disappointing group stage performances of both Manchester United and Newcastle United in the current Champions League season mark a rare occurrence for Premier League teams.
The last time a Premier League team finished at the bottom of their group was in the 2012/13 season when Manchester City experienced a similar setback. The noteworthy aspect this time around is the unprecedented situation of having two English teams, Manchester United and Newcastle United, finishing fourth in their respective groups within the same season.
This unforeseen turn of events has left only two English clubs, Arsenal and Manchester City, as the remaining contenders for the coveted Champions League title. Both teams, managed by Mikel Arteta and Pep Guardiola respectively, demonstrated their prowess by securing top spots in their groups. As group winners, they are granted the advantage of avoiding matchups with Spanish opponents in the round of 16. Notably, all four La Liga teams advanced to the next round as group winners, showcasing the dominance of Spanish clubs in this year's competition.
The Spanish teams' success stories include Atlético Madrid topping their group, which featured strong opponents like Feyenoord, and Real Madrid maintaining their lead against formidable teams such as Napoli. Barcelona displayed dominance by overcoming challenges posed by FC Porto, Shakhtar Donetsk, and Antwerp FC. Real Sociedad emerged as a surprising standout, clinching the top spot in a challenging group that included Internazionale, Benfica, and Red Bull Salzburg. Consequently, the likelihood of PSV facing a Spanish opponent in the next round is notably high.
Germany also boasts a strong representation with three teams still in contention: Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund featuring Donyell Malen, and RB Leipzig with Xavi Simons. Unfortunately, Union Berlin did not progress past the group stage. The Italian contingent in the competition comprises Napoli, Internazionale, and Lazio, with AC Milan securing a third-place finish in Group F, trailing behind Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain.
As the Champions League enters the knockout stage, football enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the high-stakes clashes that will determine which team emerges victorious in this prestigious tournament.
Updated: 11:27, 14 Dec 2023
