Liverpool and Chelsea booked their places in the UEFA Champions League round of 16 on Wednesday night following crucial victories in the final round of group-stage matches.
They were joined by fellow Premier League sides Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur, meaning four English clubs have now confirmed their progression to the knockout phase.
Arsenal had already secured qualification before matchday eight, making it a strong European showing for English teams this season.
Liverpool produced one of the performances of the night, overwhelming their opponents with an aggressive display that ensured a comfortable victory and sealed their passage into the last-16. Chelsea also rose to the occasion in a tense encounter, showing composure and attacking quality to collect the points needed to progress.
Manchester City continued their consistent European form with another controlled outing that saw them edge past their opponents, while Tottenham Hotspur completed the English quartet with a disciplined performance that delivered maximum points.
While English clubs celebrated, the night took a dramatic turn elsewhere as Real Madrid were shocked by an unexpected defeat. The Spanish giants, who are historically the most successful club in the competition, were unable to impose themselves and were punished by determined opponents, a result that has major implications for the knockout draw and seedings.
Across Europe, the final round of group fixtures delivered high-intensity football, late goals and nervous moments as clubs battled for qualification, top-spot finishes and survival in the competition. Several matches went down to the wire, underlining the competitiveness of this season’s Champions League.
With the group stage now concluded, attention shifts to the round of 16, where the continent’s elite will be paired in the knockout draw. UEFA is expected to announce the date and format of the draw shortly, with fans eagerly awaiting the next chapter of Europe’s premier club competition.
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