The League Phase of the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League (UCL) is moving towards completion, with Gameweek 7 to be held between January 21 and 23.
Let’s take a look at the five most important fixtures that can prove decisive.
A clash of the titans in a do-or-die battle
UCL 2024/25 Gameweek 7 | Paris Saint-Germain FC vs Manchester City FC
Nobody would have imagined in their wildest dreams that this particular tie would hold so much weight, given the losing side might bow out of the competition altogether; Man CIty are 22nd in the UCL first stage table, while PSG are three places below in 25th.
The Parisians are still top of the table in Ligue 1, but their performances in the Champions League have been disappointing. Man City, on the other hand, have been woeful in both the CL and the Premier League. The defending champions from England have been surprisingly out of form and remain vulnerable at the back. PSG’s problems, meanwhile, are more related to poor finishing in games that they have otherwise dominated.
Since this game is being played at the Parc de Princes, City will have a mountain to climb, but they still have a great attack line. This could be an entertaining, end-to-end affair with goals galore, but it could just as easily be a cagey affair, with one team defending a one-goal lead—only time will tell.
LaLiga chasers against German Bundesliga champions
UCL 2024/25 Gameweek 7 | Club Atlético de Madrid vs Bayer 04 Leverkusen
Both Atlético Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen are in good form, with Atleti well and truly in the title race in LaLiga, as is the case with Leverkusen after a slow start.
While Leverkusen are on a scintillating winning streak in all competitions and sit fourth in the UCL table, Atleti are 13th in the UCL table and would like to make the top eight and avoid the playoffs. Diego Simeone’s men recently went on a record-breaking 14 consecutive wins in all competitions, looking dangerous at the front and solid at the back, though they are coming into this game on the back of a shock 1-0 defeat to Leganés.
It’s going to be a mouthwatering clash between two brilliant tactical minds in Diego Simeone and Xabi Alonso, one football fans will definitely enjoy!
European Royalty up against Austrian Red Bulls
UCL 2024/25 Gameweek 7 | Real Madrid CF vs FC Red Bull Salzburg
Since Real Madrid are usually the team to beat in the Champions League, no one would have expected at the start for them to not be in the top eight coming into Gameweek 7. They have suffered some unexpected losses and are languishing in the 20th place in the CL table. If they can win both their remaining games, Los Blancos should be able to make the playoffs.
Salzburg, on the other hand, have serious problems. Pep Ljinders was sacked recently due to their inconsistent performances both in the Austrian Bundesliga and the UCL. They only have one win out of six UCL games and are almost out of the competition.
Real Madrid’s form has improved somewhat recently, and they are back on top of the table in LaLiga.
This game has the potential to be a one-sided affair, with the scoreline becoming humiliating for the Red Bulls—unless they throw caution to the wind, play with nothing to lose, and somehow pull off a massive upset.
The Bavarians go up against a tricky Dutch outfit
UCL 2024/25 Gameweek 7 | Feyenoord Rotterdam vs FC Bayern Munich
The German giants are going to be up against Feyenoord in this fixture away from home.
While both Feyenoord and Bayern are inside the top 20 in the UCL table, their fates are not sealed. For Bayern, this is a chance to grab a top-eight spot and avoid the playoffs, while Feyenoord would like to ensure they remain in the hunt for the qualifying round.
Bayern’s recent form suggests this should be a winnable game. They have been excellent in the German Bundesliga, currently four points clear on the top, while Feyenoord have lost two of their last three league games and are lacking confidence.
On paper, Bayern are heavy favourites for this one, but they face a Feyenoord side known for their never-give-up mentality, meaning a victory is easier said than done. The Dutch side will bring intensity and determination, and Bayern must be cautious not to underestimate their opponents at their home.
Milan eyeing a Top 8 finish at San Siro
UCL 2024/25 Gameweek 7 | AC Milan vs Girona FC
Milan are currently out of the top eight, sitting 12th in the UCL tablle, but they do have a chance to make it to the Round of 16 directly. Girona’s return to the UCL, on the other hand, hasn’t exactly been the stuff of dreams. The Spanish outfit have struggled in the first phase and are 30th in the table, almost out of the competition.
Milan are eighth in the Serie A table, eight points off top four, while Girona have been inconsistent and are also eighth in their domestic league.
Playing the Rossoneri at San Siro is no mean task. Milan boast a strong forward line with a solid defence, while Girona’s backline has been shipping in a few too many goals.
Having said that, there are no easy games in the Champions League, and Girona will be determined to go out with a bang. As a result, Milan will need to tread carefully if they are to secure a victory in this encounter.
Also read: UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Sponsors
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