- Group stage of the Champions League is now well underway
- A number of big clubs made a disappointing start in Europe’s top competition
- The Europa League will be relegated to the third-placed teams
For some teams, a Champions League dream has turned into a nightmare this season.
The group stage is nearing an end, and teams that have had a slow start to their European campaign are running out of time.
If you don’t finish in the first two places of your group, you will be relegated to the Europa League. The Europa League is Europe’s most popular club competition. However, for one more year the Champions League will not be a reality.
Take a look below at the teams that are in danger of being relegated to the Europa League.
Sevilla
Sevilla has no hesitations in moving to the Europa League. Fran Santiago/GettyImages
Start with the Europa League Kings.
Seven-time winners of the tournament and the last season’s champions face falling back into the Europa League this year. Sevilla, although they would like to reach the Champions League knockout stage, is not too concerned if it finishes third in the Group B.
In a group that is highly competitive, there’s a good chance this could also happen. Arsenal is currently at the top of the group and will most likely qualify. However, Lens and PSV Eindhoven are both going to give Sevilla stiff competition for the second automatic place.
Lens has the advantage for qualifying, as they have beaten Arsenal and are ahead of Sevilla, PSV and Sevilla. The remaining fights among the teams chasing Mikel Arteta will be exciting.
The current situation
| The Team | Played | The following are some points to consider. | Goal difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arsenal | 3 | 6 | +4 |
| Lens | 3 | 5 | +1 |
| Sevilla | 3 | 2 | -1 |
| PSV | 3 | 2 | -4 |
Benfica
Benfica are yet to pick up a point in Group D / Carlos Rodrigues/GettyImages
Benfica, the two-time European Cup winner is in grave danger of being excluded from European Football entirely. They are currently at rock bottom in Group D and have not scored a single point.
Portuguese team lost its first three Champions League matches, putting them in an extremely dangerous position. Roger Schmidt has yet to score in this competition. This is something they will have to do if at all possible, if the hope to make the Europa League.
Benfica, who reached the Champions League quarterfinals last year, is best served by finishing third this season. Schmidt’s team are seven points behind Sociedad, and Inter after just three matches.
The current situation
| The Team | Played | The following are some points to consider. | Goal difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Real Sociedad | 3 | 7 | +3 |
| Inter | 3 | 7 | +2 |
| RB Salzburg | 3 | 3 | -1 |
| Benfica | 3 | 0 | -4 |
Manchester United
Manchester United has been a disappointment in Europe thus far. / Matthias Hangst/Getty Images
Erik ten Hag has a lot of work ahead to make sure that the Red Devils can qualify for Group A after a dreadful start in his first Champions League season with Manchester United.
Man Utd’s qualification hopes are in jeopardy despite being placed in a group that appeared to be favourable. They have already lost two games, against Bayern Munich as well as Galatasaray. Three-time Champions League champions also required a Andre Onana save on a 97th minute penalty to earn all three points in a dull 1-0 victory over Kobenhavn halfway through the group stages.
Man Utd may well be able to slip into the Europa League with trips planned in the near future, including visits to Denmark and Turkey, where both teams have impressive records at home. Ten Hag’s team has the talent to progress beyond the first round, but their performances in Europe and at home have been disappointing.
The current situation
| The Team | Played | The following are some points to consider. | Goal difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bayern Munich | 3 | 9 | +4 |
| Galatasaray | 3 | 4 | -1 |
| Man Utd | 3 | 3 | -1 |
| Kobenhavn | 3 | 1 | -2 |
Atletico Madrid
Atletico remains unbeaten in a close group / Andy BUCHANAN/GettyImages
Three of the four teams are currently separated by a small margin. Atletico Madridis one of those teams and is still in danger of being relegated to the Europa League, despite finishing second after half-time.
Lazio, Celtic and the Spanish team were all held to disappointing draws. Diego Simeone’s side cannot take any of their results for granted after a 3-2 defeat to Feyenoord in the Wanda Metropolitano.
The group is tight, so any slip ups could be exploited.
The current situation
| The Team | Played | The following are some points to consider. | Goal difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feyenoord | 3 | 6 | +3 |
| Atletico Madrid | 3 | 5 | +1 |
| Lazio | 3 | 4 | -1 |
| Celtic | 3 | 1 | -3 |
Newcastle United & AC Milan
Newcastle and Milan are currently in danger in Group F / Nicolo Campo/GettyImages
Group F has certainly lived up to the expectations.
Newcastle United has made an impressive start in the season after winning a match away from home against Paris Saint-Germain and a thrashing at St James’ Park of Paris Saint-Germain. However, losing to Borussia Dortmund on St James’ Park could be costly.
Eddie Howe’s team will now travel to Dortmund and Paris knowing that they cannot afford another defeat.
Milan is also in a dangerous situation in Group F. They have not scored in any of their three first matches, but they are still in the running with two scoreless draws. Stefano Pioli and his team still have the potential to reach the 16th round, especially since they only have two remaining home fixtures from the three left.
Milan may be forced to accept the Europa League despite reaching the semifinals of the Champions League last season.
The current situation
| The Team | Played | The following are some points to consider. | Goal difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| PSG | 3 | 6 | +2 |
| Dortmund | 3 | 4 | -1 |
| Newcastle | 3 | 4 | +2 |
| Milan | 3 | 2 | -3 |
