With Liverpool and Barcelona outside the automatic top-eight, Mohamed Salah’s return could swing Liverpool’s trip to Marseille — punters may back Liverpool to win or Salah to score, while Qarabag’s late upset over Eintracht Frankfurt suggests value in backing underdogs or high-margin comebacks in remaining group matches.
Champions League Drama: Heavyweights Racing Against Time
Liverpool and Barcelona find themselves unexpectedly outside the automatic top-eight with only two rounds left in the Champions League group stage. Teams placed ninth to 24th will enter two-legged playoffs, making every remaining fixture crucial for seeding and progression.
Liverpool eye Salah boost for Marseille trip
Arne Slot’s side travel to Marseille needing results to avoid the playoff scramble. Mohamed Salah returns from the Africa Cup of Nations and was immediately restored to the starting lineup after publicly expressing frustration over playing time. His presence will be a key factor for Liverpool’s attacking potency and betting markets.
Barcelona chasing recovery in Prague
Barcelona, runners-up in the previous league phase, are under pressure as they head to Slavia Prague. The Catalans must turn form into points quickly to reclaim a top-eight spot and avoid the uncertainty of the playoff route.
Chelsea welcomes Rosenior for first Champions League test
Liam Rosenior takes charge of his first Champions League match as Chelsea host Pafos. The new coach faces an early test to steady results and revive Chelsea’s group-stage prospects.
Bayern among favorites as Union Saint-Gilloise visit
Bayern Munich, viewed as one of the competition favorites, host Union Saint-Gilloise in a tie that observers expect them to control. The Bavarians need to convert expectations into points to consolidate their position.
Tiny Qarabag stuns Frankfurt with last-gasp winner
Azerbaijan’s Qarabag claimed a dramatic 3-2 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt thanks to Bahlul Mustafazade’s stoppage-time winner. Camilo Duran opened the scoring and later levelled at 2-2 before the 94th-minute decider. The win moves Qarabag closer to the playoffs and confirms Frankfurt’s elimination.
Atletico held as own goal denies victory
Atletico Madrid were held to a 1-1 draw at Galatasaray after Giuliano Simeone’s early strike was cancelled out by a Marcos Llorente own goal in the 20th minute, leaving Atletico with ground to make up in the group.
Barca's Flick calls for more loyalty after Dro exit reports
Liverpool and Barcelona are leaving it late to secure automatic qualification to the Champions League round of 16.
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