Five games to watch this week

A number of big teams face must-win games in the last round of the Champions League before Christmas.

The teams have just three games left in the newly-formatted League stage to secure their places in the knockout stages, with holders Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain’s hopes of avoiding shock early relegation uncertain.

Here are five games to watch out for in the Champions League this week.

Girona vs Liverpool (Tuesday, 17:45)

Unlike some of the others on this list, Liverpool sit comfortably at the top of the table and look to maintain their perfect start to date.

Arne Slot’s Reds have already seen off AC Milan, Bologna, RB Leipzig, Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid, and now they are going to Spain to meet the debutants Girona.

While a top eight finish, which automatically ensures progression to the last 16, will surely be secured with another win, Girona are also desperate for three points as they seek to avoid elimination from the competition altogether.

Last season’s third-placed LaLiga side are currently 30th, three points short of the all-important 24th place they need to sneak into the play-off spot – so a shock win at home would do them good.

Atalanta vs. Real Madrid (Tuesday, 8 p.m.)

Holders Real face an unthinkable early exit from the competition after a poor record of just two wins and three defeats so far, which leaves them currently sitting in the final play-off position all the way down to 24th.

Los Blancos were taught a lesson at Anfield last time out and another tough away game is in store as they travel to fifth-placed Atalanta, who are top of Serie A and unbeaten in the Champions League so far.

After a much-needed 3-0 win over Girona this week, Carlo Ancelotti’s men need to start winning in the Champions League and fast, especially if they still hope to sneak into the top eight.

When Real Madrid and Atalanta met in #Supercup ⏪

⚽ Mbappé’s first goal for Real Madrid…#UCL pic.twitter.com/28zGnLS7e2

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) December 9, 2024

RB Salzburg vs. Paris Saint-Germain (Tuesday, 8 p.m.)

PSG are in a similarly dangerous position, currently outside the top 24 after picking up a paltry four points so far.

Like Madrid, the Ligue 1 champions desperately need to start getting points on the board, although that’s a slightly easier task for them as they face Rb Salzburg.

The Austrian side have a point less than their opponents on Tuesday, having only beaten Feyernoord in the 4th round.

If PSG stumble again, then exiting the competition before the knockout stage will become a real possibility with just two games to play.

Juventus vs. Manchester City (Wednesday, 8 p.m.)

Manchester City suffered another setback against Crystal Palace this weekend and will be looking to get back to winning ways at Juventus.

This is City’s first game in the competition since a remarkable implosion against Feyenoord two weeks ago, letting go of a three-goal lead to draw 3-3, extending their winless run in all competitions to seven games.

As a result, the 2023 Treble winners have some serious work to do to secure their place in the top eight as they are currently 17th, two points off the automatic places.

The Old Lady are also on eight but are two points behind, so a win for either side would be huge for their prospects.

Round 6 is here! 🙌#UCL pic.twitter.com/H6w2ztU5F9

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) December 9, 2024

Borussia Dortmund – Barcelona (Wednesday, 8 p.m.)

The last game to be stuck in is two sides who have looked good in the Champions League as last season’s finalists Borussia Dortmund face a resurgent Barcelona.

The two are fourth and third after both have won 12 points so far, with both enjoying routine 3-0 wins over Dinamo Zagreb and Brest last time out in the competition.

Despite their powerful form, both sides have struggled a bit at home, with Dortmund without a win since a win in Croatia following draws against Bayern Munich and Borussia Monchengladbach.

Barca also lost to Las Palmas and drew with Real Betis either side of a 5-0 win over Mallorca, with a win for both sure to seal their place in the top eight, with plenty at stake at Signal Iduna Park.