The UEFA Champions League Matchday 7 concluded with high stakes for many teams, including Arsenal and Celtic, who both delivered impressive performances to move forward.
Arsenal solidified their position with a convincing 3-0 victory against NFC Dinamo Zagreb at the Emirates Stadium, effectively securing their spot for the knockout stages of the tournament. Just two minutes in, Declan Rice found the net, dashing Dinamo's hopes early on. Gabriel Martinelli's cross set up the midfielder perfectly, allowing Rice to hammer the ball past goalkeeper Ivan Nevistic.
At the 66th minute, Arsenal doubled their lead as Kai Havertz scored, marking the 500th goal under manager Mikel Arteta’s tenure. Havertz expertly headed home another curling cross from the dynamic Martinelli.
Captain Martin Odegaard capped the night with another goal late in the game, putting Arsenal firmly in control throughout.
“We wanted to capitalize on the work we’ve done this far,” said Arteta post-match, emphasizing the significance of the win as they sit comfortably third with qualification nearly assured.
The Gunners displayed their tactical superiority, limiting Dinamo's chances, who barely looked threatening throughout the match. Arsenal will now focus on maintaining their strong home record as they head toward the knockout rounds, having lost only one of their past 26 home group stage games.
Meanwhile, Celtic also secured their place for the Champions League knockout round, marking their first advance to this stage since 2012. Their dramatic victory against Young Boys was sealed by Loris Benito's 86th-minute own goal. Despite having Daizen Maeda sent off late and enduring moments of strong pressure, including Arne Engels missing from the penalty spot, Celtic’s perseverance paid off.
“This is our first step back to where we belong”, said manager Brendan Rodgers, underlining the relief and pride felt by the club after such a lengthy absence from the knockout stage.
Others, like Manchester City, face potential elimination following their recent collapse against Paris St-Germain. City must secure victory over Club Brugge on the final matchday to have any chance of surviving.
UEFA’s new format this season, which includes 36 teams and multiple matches all played simultaneously on the final day, has ensured no team is without something to play for. 25 of the 36 teams found themselves still fighting for their position going forward.
This matchday saw Liverpool and Barcelona already secured spots for the knockout phase. Arsenal’s victory ensures their continuation, but they now look to improve their final positioning to avoid play-off matches.
Both Aston Villa and Celtic are also hovering around the edge of the top eight. Villa faces Celtic next week; both teams need significant wins to secure their places as significant top contenders moving forward.
What makes this season even more thrilling is the financial stakes associated with finishing well. Participation rewards for clubs can reach up to €18.62 million, and each position gained is worth additional bonuses. Teams finish ninth to sixteenth earn between €1 million and €2 million more depending on their league phase position.
Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp expressed his optimism, highlighting the strategic importance of finishing at the top. “Every game counts, we have to keep the pressure on all the way through the end of the group stage,” Klopp remarked.
Matchday 8 will see teams fighting for survival and aiming for glory as the road to the Champions League knockout stages continues to heat up.
The excitement is palpable as clubs prepare for the concluding matches of this inaugural league phase format. With so much still at stake, it’s shaping up to be an explosive finale to this round.