Arsenal and Chelsea can seal progress; Liverpool and Manchester City face elimination
Tuesday 25 November 2014 23:30, UK
The Champions League returns for its fifth round of matches on November 25 & 26, as the group stage nears a conclusion.
Six teams have already sealed their place in the last 16, but there are still 10 spots up for grabs and plenty of clubs can secure progress on Matchday 5.
Arsenal and Chelsea are leading the way for the Premier League and can both make it through to the knockout stages in their next match, while Liverpool and Manchester City have a bit more work to do if they are to join their domestic rivals.
We assess all the permutations – who can go through and who might go out – ahead of Matchday 5 of the Champions League group stage…
Atletico Madrid v Olympiakos
Malmo v Juventus
A draw could be enough for Atletico Madrid to seal their place in the last 16 if Juventus fail to win in Malmo, but victory would mean they will definitely go through. Victory for Olympiakos in Spain will not be enough for the Greek side to guarantee progress because Atletico face the Italian champions in Matchday 6. Malmo will be eliminated with anything but victory over Massimiliano Allegri’s men.
Basel v Real Madrid
Ludogorets v Liverpool
Real Madrid are already through, and can confirm their place as group winners by securing at least a draw in Switzerland. The second spot is still attainable for all three of the other teams, but if Basel avoid defeat to Carlo Ancelotti’s men then Liverpool will go out if they lose to Ludogorets, who also face elimination with defeat.
Bayer Leverkusen v Monaco
Zenit v Benfica
A draw for Bayer Leverkusen will be enough to progress, but if Benfica do not win in Zenit the Germans will go through regardless. Because Monaco play Zenit in the final matchday, defeat for Benfica in Russia will result in their elimination.
Anderlecht v Galatasaray
Arsenal v Borussia Dortmund
Borussia Dortmund are already through and will progress as group winners with a draw at Emirates Stadium. A draw would also suit Arsenal, who just need a point to make it into the last 16. Anderlecht and Galatasaray both know failure to win means they will be eliminated, while the victors will also need the Gunners to lose.