Manchester City could be out of the Champions League because of this particular reason 
A tight Champions League table has left some big names at risk of elimination during the league phase, and one fixture in particular has caught the eye of some fans
Erling Haaland during PSG vs Man City
Manchester City are among the big-name clubs at risk of an early Champions League exit
There is plenty at stake in the final round of Champions League matches as the league phase draws to a close, but some have been left worrying two clubs could deal their rivals a painful blow by playing out a mutually-beneficial draw.
The new format of the competition has done away with eight groups of four and introduced a ‘Swiss-style’ format. This means each of the 36 teams plays eight matches, all scoring points in one big league table.
Those finishing in the top eight will progress directly into the round of 16, with those ranked 9th-24th playing off for the remaining eight spots. The bottom 12 teams will be knocked out of Europe, with no one dropping down into the Europa League.
The match in focus is Stuttgart’s home tie against Paris Saint-Germain. While there have been no suggestions either team has ill intentions, fans have noticed that a draw would suit both just fine.
PSG breathed new life into their campaign in the last gameweek, coming from behind to beat Manchester City 4-2. Stuttgart, meanwhile, won away at Slovan Bratislava to join the Parisians on 10 points.
Both are just above the dotted line, with PSG 22nd and Stuttgart 24th. Manchester City sit in 25th, with their final game coming against a Club Brugge side with 11 points and an inferior goal difference. so a point in Stuttgart would ensure both clubs finish above either City or Brugge.
Dinamo Zagreb are also on eight points, and could move level with a win in their final game. However, thanks in part to a 9-2 hammering at Bayern Munich in September, they would need to win by a record margin against AC Milan.
Paris Saint-Germain players celebrate against Manchester City
PSG’s fate is in their own hands after a win against Manchester City
“Wait till Stuttgart and PSG fix their game and play a draw,” one fan joked on social media. “Disgrace of Gijon, anyone,” wrote another, a reference to a match at the 1982 World Cup where West Germany and Austria played out a result which sent both teams through while eliminating Algeria.
Others suggested, with tongue firmly in cheek, that we shouldn’t be so quick to write off Dinamo Zagreb. An 8-0 win against Milan would put them back in the mix even if PSG and Stuttgart draw, though it’s worth pointing out that Milan have only conceded nine times in total across their seven league phase matches.
Further up the table, there’s all to play for when it comes to securing the remaining top eight spots. Liverpool and Barcelona are the only teams already assured of one of those places, though Arsenal are in a strong position to join them owing to their goal difference.
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Arsenal showcased a dominant performance against Dinamo Zagreb, winning 3-0 in their UEFA Champions League clash. Declan Rice opened the scoring early, followed by goals from Kai Havertz and Martin Ødegaard, solidifying Arsenal’s position in the top eight of the group standings with 16 points.
Paris Saint-Germain staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Manchester City 4-2. After trailing by two goals, PSG turned the tide with an impressive display, leaving Pep Guardiola’s side reeling and questioning their Champions League ambitions.
Meanwhile, Bayern Munich faced a shocking defeat against Feyenoord, losing 3-0 in Rotterdam. Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, Bayern failed to convert, while Feyenoord capitalized on their opportunities, with Santiago Gimenez leading the charge.
Real Madrid continued their strong campaign by thrashing RB Salzburg 5-1. Rodrygo and Vinícius Júnior each scored twice, while Kylian Mbappé added another goal. This victory not only secured Madrid’s place in the knockout stages but also demonstrated their attacking prowess as they aim to defend their title.
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