Which Champions League game should you watch on Matchday 8? One showdown stands above the rest

The league phase of the 2025-26 Champions League concludes on Wednesday with a whopping 18 games, all kicking off at the same time. Each match, with the exception of one, has something riding on it, whether for one team or both, which begs the question: which game should you watch if you are an armchair fan?

You could quite feasibly make a case for most of them, other than Arsenal’s game against Kairat at the Emirates. The Gunners have already qualified directly for the round of 16, while the Kazakh champions are already eliminated. Cross that one off your list straight away.

High-profile teams such as Liverpool, Barcelona and Manchester City still have work to do to finish in the top eight, and all three face opponents with something to play for in Qarabag, Copenhagen and Galatasaray. However, given the gap in finances and, as a result, quality, you would expect the big names to get the job done with little fuss. Of course, stranger things have happened.

Why Napoli vs. Chelsea stands out

It is a difficult call, but Napoli’s home game against Chelsea may just be the pick of the bunch.

If the league phase had finished after Matchday 7, the reigning Serie A champions’ European campaign would already be over. Napoli currently find themselves 25th in the standings, just outside the playoff spots.

For one of the strongest teams in one of Europe’s top leagues to miss out on qualification even for the playoffs would be an enormous disappointment. Napoli will be desperate for a big night at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, where an electric atmosphere is guaranteed with so much at stake.

What’s at stake for Napoli and Chelsea

A victory for Napoli, who are on eight points, would almost certainly see them clinch a playoff spot. That would only change if Qarabag and Galatasaray both take at least a point against Liverpool and City, and the six teams immediately above Napoli all win, which is highly unlikely.

Chelsea, though, are desperate to hang on to their current position. The Blues, who have 13 points, occupy eighth place and, as things stand, would be the last team to secure direct qualification for the round of 16, allowing them to skip the playoff round entirely.

With PSG, sixth, and Newcastle, seventh, playing each other, a win in Italy could be enough for Chelsea to secure their spot, although they might still miss out even if they pick up all three points.

Barcelona, Sporting CP, City, Atlético Madrid and Atalanta can, like Chelsea, all still reach 16 points. Apart from the Italian side, the others could realistically leapfrog the Premier League club on goal difference, even if Chelsea win in Naples.

On top of all that, Antonio Conte comes up against the club that sacked him in July 2018, while fit-again former Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku will be fired up to shoot down the team that was so keen to offload him a few years ago.

Making the case for other games

PSG vs. Newcastle

With both teams on 13 points, the winner will almost certainly secure direct qualification for the round of 16. The loser will be heading for the playoff round.

Dortmund vs. Inter

Nothing is off the table for Dortmund, who sit 16th on 11 points. They could still sneak into the top eight and qualify directly for the round of 16, or tumble into the bottom 12 and be eliminated, although both scenarios feel unlikely. Inter, 14th with 12 points, are guaranteed a playoff spot but must win to have any chance of a top-eight finish.

Benfica vs. Real Madrid

José Mourinho faces his former club, while Álvaro Arbeloa goes up against the coach he idolizes. Benfica, 29th with six points, have to win to have any chance of avoiding elimination, while a draw will probably be enough for Real Madrid, third on 15 points, to progress to the round of 16. A defeat, however, could still trouble.

Athletic Club vs. Sporting CP

The left-field shout. Sporting CP, 10th with 13 points, are looking to gatecrash the top eight and could overtake some bigger names with a win in Bilbao. Athletic, 23rd on eight points, likely need a positive result to hang on to a playoff place.

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