Unlike before, all the 36 teams in the expanded tournament will be in action on the same day with all matches kicking off at the same time (8pm GMT or 10pm CET). Previously all group stage matches were played over two days. In the new format, there are two prizes to fight for at the group stage. Automatic qualification to the round of 16 that comes with finishing in the top eight and the playoffs reserved for teams ranked number nine to 24. Despite taking the tournament by the scruff from the beginning and sweeping every opponent aside to collect the maximum 21 points in seven games, long-time leaders Liverpool are still not guaranteed the top spot. Second-placed Barcelona with 18 points are breathing down their necks with a better goal difference. Any Liverpool slip-up away to PSV tomorrow in the Netherlands will see them end up second if Barcelona beat visiting Europa League holders Atalanta. This would be an unwanted outcome for the high-riding English side who have been rampant and dominant both at home and in Europe this term. They are on course to lift the domestic title and are seeking to become the first club to win all group games in the new-look continental tournament. Their EPL title rivals, Arsenal cannot catch them whatever the results.
The Gunners are third in the Champions League with 16 points, the same as Inter Milan whom they edge on goal difference. Atletico Madrid and AC Milan lie fifth and sixth with 15 points whilst Atalanta (15) and Bayer Leverkusen (13) complete the top eight ahead of tonight's matches. That means any or all in the chasing pack of Aston Villa, Monaco, Feyenoord, Lille, and Brest – all on 13 points – must fancy their top-eight chances. If they meet their part of the bargain, they are likely to benefit from the woes of Atletico, AC Milan, Atalanta, and Leverkusen. Particularly in danger are Atalanta because they face a tough task away against giants Barcelona. In the race for the second prize – a place in the play-offs – the vulnerable teams in the top eight plus Villa in ninth spot, Monaco (10th), Feyenoord (11th), Lille (12th), Brest (13th), Borussia Dortmund (14th), Bayern Munich (15th), Real Madrid (16th), Juventus (17th), and Celtic (18th) have secured their positions.
