All 18 matches of the final round of the 2025/26 Champions League classification will take place simultaneously, at 3:00 AM on January 29th.
At this point, only Bayern Munich and Arsenal are guaranteed a place in the top 8. Four teams are definitely eliminated: Frankfurt, Kairat Almaty, Slavia Prague, and Villarreal. These six teams will have little motivation left in the final round, except to play well to win UEFA prize money.
Atalanta, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Chelsea, Inter, Juventus, Liverpool, Manchester City, Newcastle, Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, Sporting Lisbon, and Tottenham are the teams that are guaranteed to be in the top 24.
However, that doesn't mean they lack motivation in the final round. A win, even a resounding one, would secure these teams a spot in the top 8, thus allowing them to advance to the round of 16 without needing to go through the play-offs.
Champions League standings before the final matchday.
Therefore, with the exception of the Arsenal vs. Kairat Almaty match, which is merely a formality for both teams, all 17 remaining matches in the final round of the Champions League classification promise to be exciting, as the teams have every reason to go all out.
According to the tournament format, the top 8 teams in the overall standings will advance directly to the Round of 16. Teams ranked from 9th to 24th will participate in a knockout play-off round (competing for a spot in the Round of 16). The 8 winning teams in the play-off round will qualify for the Round of 16.
With many European giants like Real Madrid, Manchester City, Liverpool, and Barcelona not yet guaranteed a top 8 spot, the competition in the final round of classification promises to be fierce.
Since the point difference between teams ranked 3rd to 24th is not significant, goal difference is expected to be a crucial factor in determining the rankings.
Therefore, fans have every right to expect a "goalfest" in the final round of matches. After all, teams not only need to win, but also win convincingly to secure a spot in the top 8 or 24.
Champions League final match schedule (Swiss time)