Simple rundown 

All Champions League permutations explained - Why it matters to finish in the top two

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The Champions League league phase is coming to its conclusion with the final round of fixtures set to be played next week. Although, we have already had one season of the new format, there are definitely still more questions than answers when it comes to this stage of the tournament, and there have also even been some changes since the last campaign. Here at Transfermarkt, we have constructed an easy to follow guideline of what it means to finish in the different positions of the Champions League table.

Which teams have already qualified?

The only team so far already confirmed in round of 16 by finishing in the top eight are league leaders Arsenal, who have a 100% record. The following 10 teams are now guaranteed at least a place in the play-off round, so essentially they are confirmed to finish in at least the top 24: Atalanta, Atlético Madrid, Bayern Munich, Inter Milan, Liverpool, Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, Sporting, Tottenham.

For the teams ranked ninth to 24th, the exact league position also matters because ties are drawn based on league phase placings. In the play-off round, 9th will play 24th, 10th will play 23rd and so on.There are also two teams that are already guaranteed to be eliminated from this season’s competition, as they cannot finish in the top 24 teams: Villarreal and Kairat Almaty.

What are the benefits of finishing in the top four and the top two?

A new rule designed for this season means a higher finish gives you an easier Champions League knockout route in terms of home advantage. Teams who finish in the top four positions in the Champions League table will be given home second legs for the both the round of 16 and the quarter-finals. Then the top two teams in the Champions League table will also be given second-leg home advantages in the semi-final stage, so Arsenal have already guaranteed themselves a home second leg all the way to the final, should they progress that far.

When are the Champions League knockout phase games?

The knockout phase play-offs for the teams that finish between 9th and 24th will take place on the following dates: February 17/18 & 24/25. Then the round of 16 games will be played on the following dates: March 10/11 & 17/18. The quarter-finals will be on: April 7/8 & 14/15. The semi-finals will be played on: April 28/29 & May 5/6. With the final, hosted in Budapest, Hungary will be played on: May 30.