Champions League Review: PSG and Man City Squeeze Through to Knockout Stage

The Champions League league phase has come to a close, with PSG and Man City squeezing through to the knockout stage, while Lille secured a last 16 spot and Ousmane Dembele starred for PSG.

The inaugural UEFA Champions League “league phase” has come to a thrilling conclusion, marked by a dramatic final day that was full of surprises. The competition has delivered a rollercoaster ride of twists and turns, and the excitement is only just beginning. With Manchester City and PSG securing final-night wins to squeeze into the play-offs, all the top teams remain in contention, setting the stage for a thrilling knockout phase.

The standout theme of this year's Champions League is the increasing competitiveness of the competition. The gap between the traditional powerhouses and the underdogs is narrowing, making it difficult to predict who will ultimately lift the trophy. This parity is largely due to the presence of exceptional coaches across Europe, who are enabling medium-sized clubs to punch above their weight. Teams like Aston Villa, Atalanta, and Lille are producing outstanding football, making them a force to be reckoned with against the traditional elite.

Potential opponents ahead of Friday's draw 👀#UCL pic.twitter.com/GU64XW2JAp

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) January 30, 2025

The final day of the league phase was a demonstration of the unpredictability of the competition. PSV pulled off a stunning upset against Liverpool, while Atalanta held Barcelona to a draw, and Dinamo Zagreb shocked AC Milan. Amidst the drama, Manchester City and PSG grabbed the headlines by securing their spots in the play-offs. However, it's essential to acknowledge the impressive performances of the underdogs, who are overachieving despite significant financial disparities.

The Champions League knockout phase promises to be an exhilarating ride, with several teams capable of making a deep run. As the competition heats up, one thing is clear: this year's crown is truly up for grabs, and the eventual winner will have to navigate a challenging and unpredictable path to glory.

Dembele's Resurgence

Ousmane Dembele's phenomenal hat-trick against Stuttgart on matchday eight was a standout performance that helped PSG secure a spot in the play-off. His impressive display was reminiscent of the Dembele of this season, a player who is finally beginning to realize his high potential after years of inconsistency.

Introducing the final Team of the Week of the league phase 🤝@cryptocom | #UCLTOTW pic.twitter.com/C3D3ZNY98O

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) January 30, 2025

Dembele's performance against Stuttgart was a testament to his growth and development as a player. He has now scored 15 goals this campaign, and his player of the match display was well-deserved. Throughout the 90 minutes, Dembele caused havoc and notched three well-taken goals, showcasing his skill and talent.

One of Dembele's goals stood out in particular - his second goal, which was PSG's third. He took the ball up on the edge of the box, executed a step over, and accelerated past the defender before unleashing a venomous strike with his right foot into the top left-hand corner. The goal was unstoppable, and it highlighted Dembele's incredible skill and technique.

Dembele's current form is a welcome sight for PSG fans, with the French winger now having scored 11 goals in his last 10 appearances. If he can stay in form and continue to receive guidance from Luis Enrique, Dembele has the potential to become the world-beater he was destined to be. His resurgence is a promising sign for PSG, and it will be exciting to see how he continues to develop and grow as a player.

PSV's Impressive Upset

PSV's season has been marked by several impressive performances, and their latest outing against Liverpool was no exception. Despite being considered a surprise package, PSV proved they are a force to be reckoned with, defeating the competition's top side 3-2 in front of their home fans. This victory secured a top 14 finish for the Dutch outfit, making it the perfect end to the league phase.

From start to finish: the race to qualify on Matchday 8 😮‍💨#UCL pic.twitter.com/0FypNCj9w9

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) January 30, 2025

PSV's win over Liverpool was their second 3-2 victory of the campaign and their third time scoring three goals or more. This performance was arguably their most impressive thus far, serving as a reminder that last season's semi-finalists should not be underestimated. Although Liverpool heavily rotated their squad, PSV's comeback from 2-1 to lead 3-2 in the first half was a testament to their skills and determination.

The match against Liverpool was a thrilling encounter, with five goals scored in the first half alone. Instead of trying to protect their lead, PSV opted to push for more goals, ultimately ending the match with more possession and expected goals (XG). This victory was no fluke, and it marked a morale-boosting win for PSV against Arne Slot's high-flying Reds. While tougher tests await, PSV's performance against Liverpool has set them up for a promising continuation of their European campaign.

Lille's Impressive Rise to the Last 16

Lille's Champions League campaign has been a remarkable success, with the French club securing a spot in the last 16. Spearheaded by Jonathan David's eight goals, Lille's impressive performance has been a statement few would have predicted before the campaign began. Their thrilling 6-1 win over Feyenoord in the final league phase match was a testament to their attacking prowess.

Lille's journey to the last 16 has been marked by several notable upsets, including a stunning win over holders Real Madrid in October and an impressive away victory against Atletico Madrid later the same month. These results have cemented Lille's status as the surprise package of the Champions League campaign. Their ability to pull off unexpected wins and outperform their expected goals (XG) has made them a thrilling team to watch.

One of the key factors behind Lille's success has been the clinical finishing of striker Jonathan David. With eight goals to his name, David has been ruthless in front of goal, frequently converting half-chances into crucial goals. As Lille look to make a deep run in the Champions League, David's form will be crucial to their success. His ability to deliver under pressure has made him a standout performer in the competition.

Watkins' Bizarre Penalty Miss

Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins was at the center of attention before his team's crucial match against Celtic, with Arsenal reportedly submitting a bid for the English striker. However, Villa swiftly rejected the offer, making it clear they had no intention of letting their star player leave in January. With the focus back on the pitch, Watkins played a pivotal role in Villa's thrilling 4-2 victory over Celtic, scoring and assisting twice.

The match was marked by a stunning hat-trick from Morgan Rogers, but Watkins' performance was also noteworthy. After scoring to put Villa back in the lead, Watkins had the opportunity to extend their advantage from the penalty spot. However, in a bizarre moment, Watkins slipped at the crucial moment, causing the ball to bobble off his right foot and loop over the bar. The comical incident drew instant comparisons to John Terry's infamous slip in the 2008 Champions League final.