Champions League enters decisive phase amid rising stakes for continents top sides

Real Madrid, Liverpool, and Inter Milan collectively possess 24 European honours, yet they must overcome substantial hurdles to confirm their spots in the Champions League knockout rounds.

The leading eight teams advance straight to the round of 16, whereas those from ninth to 24th need to survive a two-match playoff to progress.

Arsenal, Bayern Munich, reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City, and Atalanta have all locked in at least a position in the knockout playoffs.

This situation leaves several prominent European clubs uncertain about their involvement in the competitions crucial stages.

AFP Sport examines four major teams aiming to clinch their advancement as the league stage approaches its second last round of games:

Inter Milan

Among the sides best placed to advance on the seventh matchday, the Serie A frontrunners Inter confront the most demanding challenge, needing to recover from their previous loss to Liverpool when they host the sole unbeaten side with a perfect record, Arsenal.

Nevertheless, Cristian Chivus squad cannot expect any leniency from Arsenal at the San Siro on Tuesday, since the Premier League frontrunners will be keen to secure a top eight berth before the leagues concluding fixtures on January 28.

As the campaign heads into its closing phase, Chivu remarked following Saturdays Serie A victory that he feels his players are truly grasping his preferred style of play.

"This teams eagerness to adapt is impressive," the Romanian stated.

"Our on field showings reflect the players commitment, as altering established patterns is no simple task."

One pattern Chivu would prefer remains unchanged is Inters solid history versus Arsenal, having triumphed in three of their four Champions League clashes.

Real Madrid

Fresh Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa knows full well that his stint at the Santiago Bernabeu will be evaluated heavily based on results in club president Florentino Perezs favoured tournament.

Following a shocking loss to second division Albacete in the Copa del Rey, Arbeloa guided a victory over modest Levante in La Liga on Saturday, though the Bernabeu mood was hostile with jeers aimed at the incoming coach along with key talents Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham.

"I have always held the Bernabeu supporters in high regard, they have jeered me plenty too, and it is among the elements that render this club exceptional, the supporters expectations," Arbeloa commented.

Currently seventh, Madrid welcome Monaco on Tuesday, and for Arbeloa to regain fan support, securing Champions League progression is essential.

Liverpool

Manager Arne Slot, facing scrutiny, has halted the decline with Liverpool now enjoying a 12 game unbeaten streak, but as hopes of retaining their Premier League title fade weekly, the Anfield leadership will increasingly prioritise a strong Champions League campaign.

The six time winners head to the intense setting of Marseilles Stade Velodrome on Wednesday, where victory would mark a major stride towards last 16 qualification and alleviate pressure on Slot after four straight league stalemates.

The Dutch coach noted before Liverpools disappointing 1-1 home draw against promoted Burnley last weekend that he felt "pleased" with Mohamed Salahs return from Africa Cup of Nations commitments. 

If the Egyptian features upon his team comeback this week, he might inject vital sharpness into Liverpools recently blunt forward line.

Barcelona

Lagging a bit behind the primary qualification hopefuls are Hansi Flicks La Liga topping Barcelona, whose 11 game winning sequence across all events concluded with a 2-1 defeat at Real Sociedad over the weekend.

The previous years semifinalists occupy 15th with 10 points, and Flick is determined to move past Sundays league disappointment as they travel to Slavia Prague.

"The scoreline does not match our display," Flick said. "We must persist along this path.

"Come Wednesday, victory in Prague awaits."