Liverpool and Barcelona are leaving it late to secure automatic qualification to the Champions League round of 16. ADVERTISEMENTTeams placed from nine to 24 enter a two-legged playoff to go through to the round of 16. Liverpool topped the league phase last year, but then faced the daunting task of playing eventual winner Paris Saint-Germain in the last 16. Barcelona was runner-up to Liverpool during the league phase last year and progressed to the semifinals before losing to Inter Milan. Chelsea's new coach Liam Rosenior takes charge of his first Champions League game with the club at home to Pafos.

Source: The Telegraph January 21, 2026 18:32 UTC