Champions League Survival Fight: Real Madrid, Liverpool and Inter Milan Face Crucial Tests
Real Madrid, Liverpool and Inter Milan may carry the weight of 24 European crowns between them, yet none of that history guarantees safe passage to the Champions League knock‑out rounds. The new format has raised the stakes. Only the top eight sides march directly into the last 16. Those finishing ninth to 24th must endure a tense two‑legged play‑off to stay alive.
Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint‑Germain, Manchester City and Atalanta have already locked in their spots. For others, the path is far less certain. The coming week will decide whether Europe’s giants remain contenders or slip into chaos.
Inter Milan enter the spotlight first. Serie A’s leaders were stung by Liverpool last time out and now face Arsenal, the only team still perfect in the league phase. Cristian Chivu knows the San Siro will demand more than resilience. Arsenal are chasing a top‑eight finish and will not ease off. Yet Inter have history on their side. They have beaten Arsenal in three of their four Champions League meetings. Chivu insists his squad is finally absorbing his tactical vision, praising their hunger to adapt. That hunger must translate into points.
At the Bernabeu, Real Madrid’s new boss Alvaro Arbeloa is already under fire. A shock Copa del Rey exit to Albacete and a laboured win over Levante left the crowd restless. Boos rained down on Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham and Arbeloa himself. He shrugged it off, noting that Madrid’s fans demand greatness. Seventh place is not enough. Monaco arrives on Tuesday, and failure to progress would be unforgivable in Florentino Perez’s prized competition. Arbeloa’s tenure may hinge on this night.
Liverpool’s story is different but no less dramatic. Arne Slot has steadied the ship with a 12‑match unbeaten run, though the Premier League title is slipping away. That makes Europe essential. Marseille’s Stade Velodrome awaits, a venue known for its ferocious atmosphere. A win there would ease pressure after four straight league draws. Mohamed Salah’s return from Africa Cup of Nations duty could be decisive. Slot admitted his relief at having the Egyptian back, and Liverpool’s attack badly needs his sharp edge.
Barcelona, meanwhile, hovers just outside the main pack. Hansi Flick’s side had strung together 11 straight wins before stumbling at Real Sociedad. Sitting 15th with 10 points, they cannot afford another slip. Slavia Prague is next, and Flick insists his team’s performance remains strong despite the loss. He wants a swift response, and qualification hopes depend on it.
The Champions League’s new structure has stripped away comfort zones. Tradition counts for little when every match feels like a final. Real Madrid, Liverpool and Inter Milan know that reputations alone will not carry them. The next week will decide whether their campaigns continue or collapse.