Second Place Showdown in a Changing Champions League Era
27 January 2026
What changes could reshape the race for second place
All 32 teams in the UEFA Champions League are preparing for the final round of the group stage, scheduled for Wednesday, as they decide whether to advance directly to the Round of 16, enter the knockout playoffs, or bid farewell to the competition early.
The top eight finishers advance directly to the knockout rounds, while those finishing ninth through twenty-fourth enter a two-legged playoff. Those from twenty-five to thirty-two are eliminated from the tournament. This season, a rule tweak could directly affect the contest for second place among Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Liverpool.
Marca notes that so far the season bears the hallmarks of the previous format, but the change could tilt the balance for the team that finishes second in the group. Arsenal lead with 21 points, Bayern Munich sit on 18, and Real Madrid and Liverpool are tied on 15. UEFA has decided that the two group leaders will play all return legs at their home stadiums through the final, a move that would significantly boost home advantage in knockout ties.
Standings, venues and what it means for the chase
Barcelona finished last season’s group stage in second place, but their dazzling run in the Champions League ultimately fell short with a 4-3 loss in the semi-final second leg at San Siro, denying the title on away goals or aggregate result. For Real Madrid, the Spanish club most likely to claim second, this prize would be especially sweet given the Bernabéu’s legendary European nights; hosting a decisive knockout game there would be a notable edge.
Bayern Munich remains the favorite to secure second place, holding a three-point lead over Madrid and Liverpool. A draw at PSV Eindhoven would be enough to seal it for Bayern; a loss would reopen the door for the two Spanish and English sides. Real Madrid and Liverpool each have 15 points and could reach 18 with two wins. Real Madrid will play in Lisbon against Benfica, while Liverpool host at Anfield. Madrid’s goal difference stands at +11, compared with Liverpool’s +6, giving Madrid the tiebreaking advantage in potential ties.
Arsenal continues to set the pace, while the challengers adapt to a season that introduces a fresh dynamic for the knockout stage. The rule changes inject new drama into European nights, with Bernabéu and Allianz Arena nights potentially shaping who finishes second behind Arsenal.
Sniper punchline 1: If second place were a trophy, it would be the one with the most nervous call from the trophy room – “Do you want to come out or stay hidden on the shelf?”
Sniper punchline 2: The Bernabéu is not just a stadium; it’s a mood ring that glows brightest when Real Madrid is chasing glory, which somehow always seems to be… tonight?
