We’re entering the harsh depths of winter, which means it’s time to start separating the men from the boys in the Champions League.
Now halfway through matchday five, six teams have sealed their passage to the knockout stages in 2022.
But who has qualified, how did they get there and will they be seeded in December’s draw? Step right up…
Seeding: Group E winners
2020 winners Bayern Munich are obviously through to the last 16, it would hardly be a Champions League knockout stages without them.
While top spot is already secure thanks to their 100% winning record, Julian Nagelsmann’s side also have the pleasure of being able to eliminate Barcelona if they beat them on matchday six. Tasty.
Seeding: Group B winners
Jurgen Klopp admitted that he did not expect to qualify for the last 16 after just four games following Liverpool’s double over Atletico Madrid, but here he and his men are.
Like Bayern, the Reds are searching for a seventh Champions League crown.
Seeding: Group C, TBD
After a couple of years out of the spotlight following their memorable 2018/19 run, Erik ten Hag’s Ajax are back in the Champions League knockouts having won their first four group games – including back-to-back victories over Borussia Dortmund.
Seeding: Group H, TBD
While Juventus‘ domestic woes continue and they’re facing an uphill battle to qualify for the Champions League next season, they can at least be comforted with the fact they’ll still be in this year’s competition come February.
Their thrashing at the hands of Chelsea might unnerve them moving forward, however…
Seeding: Group F winners
In spite of the crisis that’s threatening to get way out of hand at Manchester United, at least they’re through to the knockout stages of the Champions League for the first time in three seasons.
For all of his group stage antics, Cristiano Ronaldo is also looking to break a knockout stage duck of his own by advancing past the last 16 stage for the first time in three seasons…
Seeding: Group H, TBD
Can anyone stop Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea from being the first team not named Real Madrid to retain the title in the Champions League era? Stay tuned…
