UEFA Champions League Matchday 8 Preview: 29th January 2025

As we approach the final matchday of the UEFA Champions League group stage, the excitement is reaching its peak. 

With all 18 matches taking place simultaneously on Wednesday, 29th January at 8:00 PM, the pressure is on every team to secure their place in the knockout stages. 

Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming matchups, the stakes, and the key players to watch.

Highlights:

1. Liverpool vs PSV Eindhoven – Liverpool looks to maintain their perfect record as they head into the final matchday.
2. Bayern Munich vs Slovan Bratislava – Bayern Munich must secure a win to avoid the dreaded play-offs.
3. Juventus vs Benfica – A crucial match for both teams with the group title at stake.

What to Expect on Matchday 8

Liverpool vs PSV Eindhoven

• Date & Time: 29th January, 8:00 PM
• Current Standing: Liverpool leads the group with 21 points from 7 wins, while PSV Eindhoven sits in 3rd place with 11 points.
• Preview: Liverpool’s perfect record in the group stage has been a testament to their strength on both ends of the pitch. The Reds will be looking to finish top of the group and carry momentum into the knockout rounds. PSV Eindhoven will need to pull off a surprising upset to secure their spot in the next stage.

Bayern Munich vs Slovan Bratislava

• Date & Time: 29th January, 8:00 PM
• Current Standing: Bayern Munich has 15 points from 5 wins, while Slovan Bratislava trails with 4 points.
• Preview: Despite their recent struggles, Bayern Munich is still a force to be reckoned with. They need a victory to avoid dropping into the play-offs, which is a real possibility if they falter in this final match. Slovan Bratislava will be playing for pride, but they’ll need to be at their absolute best to stand a chance against the Bavarians.

Borussia Dortmund vs Shakhtar Donetsk

• Date & Time: 29th January, 8:00 PM
• Current Standing: Dortmund has 16 points from 5 wins, while Shakhtar Donetsk has 9 points from 3 wins.
• Preview: Borussia Dortmund’s attacking prowess will be tested against Shakhtar Donetsk’s sturdy defense. Dortmund is almost assured of qualification but will need to finish strong to secure top spot. Shakhtar, however, will need a miracle to advance further.

Bayer Leverkusen vs Sparta Praha

• Date & Time: 29th January, 8:00 PM
• Current Standing: Bayer Leverkusen sits on 13 points from 4 wins, while Sparta Praha has only 7 points from 4 matches.
• Preview: Leverkusen has a chance to secure qualification, but they must get past a spirited Sparta Praha. A win here guarantees their place in the next round, while Sparta Praha has an uphill battle ahead.

Girona vs Arsenal

• Date & Time: 29th January, 8:00 PM
• Current Standing: Arsenal has 16 points from 5 wins, while Girona holds 12 points from 4 matches.
• Preview: Arsenal’s solid defense and well-balanced squad make them the favorites, but Girona has been resilient. This match could very well determine the winner of the group, and fans should expect a thrilling encounter.

Barcelona vs Atalanta

• Date & Time: 29th January, 8:00 PM
• Current Standing: Barcelona has 18 points from 6 wins, while Atalanta holds 13 points from 4 matches.
• Preview: Barcelona, known for their free-flowing attacking style, will face a challenge from Atalanta’s high-energy football. Expect a fast-paced match, with both teams gunning for the win to finish top of their group.

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Brest vs Real Madrid

• Date & Time: 29th January, 8:00 PM
• Current Standing: Real Madrid has 15 points from 5 wins, while Brest holds 5 points from 3 matches.
• Preview: Real Madrid will be desperate to secure a win here to ensure their progress into the knockout rounds. Brest may be the underdogs, but they’ll give everything to spoil Madrid’s plans.

Manchester City vs Club Brugge

• Date & Time: 29th January, 8:00 PM
• Current Standing: Manchester City has 10 points from 3 wins, while Club Brugge holds 9 points from 3 wins.
• Preview: Manchester City finds themselves in a difficult position and cannot afford to lose. They need a win to avoid elimination, while Club Brugge will fight to secure a play-off spot.

Young Boys vs Crvena zvezda

• Date & Time: 29th January, 8:00 PM
• Current Standing: Both teams are on 10 points from 3 wins.
• Preview: This match will be crucial for both sides. A win could mean progression into the next round, while failure to secure 3 points could spell the end of the Champions League campaign for one of them.

LOSC Lille vs Feyenoord

• Date & Time: 29th January, 8:00 PM
• Current Standing: LOSC Lille has 10 points from 3 wins, while Feyenoord has 9 points from 3 matches.
• Preview: Both teams are in a tight race for a spot in the play-offs. It’s a do-or-die situation, and neither will want to end up on the losing side.

Juventus vs Benfica

• Date & Time: 29th January, 8:00 PM
• Current Standing: Juventus has 15 points from 5 wins, while Benfica holds 12 points from 4 matches.
• Preview: Juventus will be looking to secure the top spot in their group, but Benfica won’t make it easy. A thrilling encounter awaits.

Aston Villa vs Celtic

• Date & Time: 29th January, 8:00 PM
• Current Standing: Aston Villa has 12 points from 4 wins, while Celtic holds 10 points from 3 matches.
• Preview: Aston Villa needs a victory to secure their place in the knockout stages, while Celtic will be hoping to pull off a surprise upset.

Dinamo Zagreb vs AC Milan

• Date & Time: 29th January, 8:00 PM
• Current Standing: Both teams have 12 points from 4 wins.
• Preview: The winner of this match could potentially top the group, making this a crucial fixture for both sides.

Inter Milan vs Monaco

• Date & Time: 29th January, 8:00 PM
• Current Standing: Inter Milan has 16 points from 5 wins, while Monaco holds 12 points from 4 matches.
• Preview: Inter Milan will need to win to top the group, but Monaco will have other ideas. Expect a highly competitive match.

SK Sturm Graz vs RB Leipzig

• Date & Time: 29th January, 8:00 PM
• Current Standing: Both teams have 10 points from 3 wins.
• Preview: With so much on the line, both teams will be looking for a vital win to progress further.

RB Salzburg vs Atlético Madrid

• Date & Time: 29th January, 8:00 PM
• Current Standing: RB Salzburg has 12 points from 4 wins, while Atlético Madrid holds 9 points from 3 matches.
• Preview: This match could be pivotal for determining which team advances to the knockout stages.

Sporting CP vs Bologna

• Date & Time: 29th January, 8:00 PM
• Current Standing: Sporting CP has 10 points from 3 wins, while Bologna holds 9 points from 3 matches.
• Preview: A win here is a must for both teams to have any chance of making it into the next stage.

VfB Stuttgart vs Paris Saint-Germain

• Date & Time: 29th January, 8:00 PM
• Current Standing: VfB Stuttgart has 10 points from 3 wins, while Paris Saint-Germain holds 15 points from 5 wins.
• Preview: PSG will look to continue their strong form, but Stuttgart will be fighting for a spot in the play-offs.

Final Thoughts

With the stakes higher than ever, every match on UEFA Champions League Matchday 8 promises to be a spectacle. From Liverpool’s dominance to Bayern Munich’s desperation, the final matchday of the group stage is not to be missed.

Every team will give their all to secure a place in the knockout rounds, and the drama is sure to keep fans on the edge of their seats.

Don’t miss out on the action—mark your calendars for 29th January at 8:00 PM and get ready for a Champions League night full of surprises!