Real Madrid glimpse the last day of the group stage with the ticket for the Champions League round of 16 in their pocket. But despite the fact that the primary objective (the classification for the crosses) is achieved, during Inter’s visit to the Bernabéu, Ancelotti’s team is at stake on how to face the draw for the first round of playoffs, in which the second of the group stage will cross against the first. A draw against Inter is enough for the Whites to finish leader of group D.
If Madrid finishes first, they will have a more favorable position in the draw in terms of possible rivals who may be their luck. It would thus avoid a bunch of coconuts that are already first in their group and, therefore, are guaranteed their status as seeds: Manchester City, Liverpool and Bayern, as well as Ajax and Manchester United. They are probably also joined by Chelsea. In Pot 2, on the other hand, there are only two apparently fearsome rivals: they are PSG and, a priori, Juventus that he is not going through his best moment. As in previous seasons, teams from the same country or who have been in the same group in the first phase cannot face each other.
Champions League
* Data updated as of December 5, 2021
What’s more, finishing first in the group would give the white team home status in the second leg of the round of 16. It should be remembered that for this season the rule that, in the event of a tie in the tie, would win the team that would have scored the most goals away from home. Now, for example, a tie that ends with 2-1 and 1-0 will be resolved on penalties.
Along with the sports advantages, there is also the economic section. The prize for qualifying for the round of 16 is 9.6 million euros, regardless of whether it is first or second in the group. But the winner of Tuesday’s game will win the 2.8 million euros that UEFA pays for each victory in the league. The tie reports a million euros.
Teams already classified for the knockout stages of the Champions League
| First | Seconds | |
| A | Man. City | PSG |
| B | Liverpool | |
| C | Ajax | Sporting P. |
| D | (Real Madrid) | (Inter) |
| E | Bayern | |
| F | Man. United | |
| G | ||
| H | (Chelsea) | (Juventus) |
Teams in parentheses and italics are mathematically classified but their group position is not defined.
Situation of the groups before the last day
Teams already classified as first in the group: Manchester City (group A), Liverpool (B), Ajax (C), Bayern (E) y Manchester United (F).
Teams already classified as second in the group: PSG (A) y Sporting de Portugal (C).
Teams already classified that compete to be first or second in the group: Real Madrid e Inter (D), Chelsea y Juventus (H).
The groups where there are open places:
B Group: Porto, Milan and Atlético compete for second place.
Group D: Real Madrid and Inter, already classified, dispute the first position.
Group E: Barcelona and Benfica compete for second place.
Group F: Villarreal and Atalanta compete for second place.
Group G: The four teams (Lille, Salzburg, Seville and Wolfsburg) can qualify and finish first.
Group H: Chelsea and Juventus, already classified, will fight for the first position.