Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) staged an impressive 4-2 comeback victory over Manchester City last week, leaving a significant mark on the current Champions League standings. This win propelled PSG to the 15th position, ensuring their spot among the top-24 teams and granting them entry into the knockout playoffs rounds. Despite this achievement, only the top eight teams advance directly to the round of 16.
Bayern Munich concluded their campaign in 10th place, narrowly edging out the defending champions, Real Madrid. The top eight positions were clinched by Bayer Leverkusen, Lille, Aston Villa, Inter Milan, Arsenal, and Atletico Madrid. These teams secured their spots with decisive victories; Inter Milan defeated Monaco 3-0, Arsenal triumphed over Girona 2-1, and Atletico Madrid dominated Salzburg with a 4-1 win.
Manchester City narrowly avoided a catastrophic exit from the tournament. Their critical 3-1 victory over Club Brugge was instrumental in maintaining their Champions League hopes alive. Meanwhile, Real Madrid solidified their seeding for Friday's playoff draw with a commanding 3-0 win against Stade Brest in their final match of the first phase.
The competition remains fierce as teams vie for a place in the prestigious round of 16. PSG's recent performance has undoubtedly added a new dimension to the playoff dynamics. With their sights set on advancing further, they will look to carry this momentum into the knockout stages.