Champions League Shake-Up: Napoli Eliminated as PSG and Real Madrid Drop Into Playoffs

The final round of the Champions League league phase delivered late drama, major shake-ups and a brutal exit for the Italian champions, as Napoli failed to reach the knockout rounds while European heavyweights Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid were pushed into the playoffs.

Napoli’s European campaign came to an abrupt end after a 3–2 home defeat to Chelsea. Despite turning a first-half deficit into a 2–1 lead before the break, the Italian side conceded twice in the final half hour and finished 30th in the overall standings, missing out on the top 24 entirely. Chelsea, by contrast, held onto a top-eight place and progressed directly to the round of 16.

Real Madrid also endured a frustrating night in Lisbon, losing 4–2 away to Benfica. Two goals from Kylian Mbappé were not enough to rescue the Spanish giants, who slipped to ninth place and must now navigate the playoff round. Benfica’s fourth goal in stoppage time proved decisive, lifting the Portuguese club into the top 24 at the last possible moment.

The defending champions PSG were similarly unable to secure a direct path to the last 16. A 1–1 home draw with Newcastle United, after Ousmane Dembélé missed a penalty, left the Paris side in 11th place. Inter Milan also fell short of the top eight, with a 2–0 win at Borussia Dortmund only enough for 10th.

Elsewhere, several favourites ensured safe passage. FC Barcelona booked their spot in the round of 16 with a dominant second-half performance, scoring four times to beat FC Copenhagen 4–1. Manchester City were equally comfortable at home, defeating Galatasaray 2–0 thanks to early goals that settled the contest well before half-time.

Arsenal finished top of the table after winning all eight of their matches, closing the league phase with a 3–2 victory over Kairat Almaty.

One of the most remarkable stories of the campaign belonged to Bodø/Glimt. The Norwegian side surged into the playoff places with an impressive late run, including results against Dortmund, Manchester City and Atlético Madrid, to secure a spot among the top 24.

The playoff draw will take place on Friday in Nyon. Teams ranked from ninth to 16th will be seeded and face opponents placed 17th to 24th in two-legged ties scheduled for mid and late February. With several giants already under pressure and unexpected challengers still alive, the road to the Champions League trophy remains wide open.