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UCL clubs that could be relegated to Europa League 

football08 December 2023 11:00| © SuperSport
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As the Uefa Champions League group stages head of the final round, it’s crunch time as some big guns could be dropping down to the Europa League or out of Europe all-together.  

Lens vs Sevilla (18:45) 

Defeats on Matchday 5 ensured that neither of these teams can reach the last 16 but a place in the UEFA Europa League is up for grabs, and Sevilla will have to win if they are to deny the French side that berth. "We can see that we're growing with every match, in both the good and bad moments," said Lens coach Franck Haise. "If we can manage to create some more memories for a club that hasn't been in Europe for many years, with many inexperienced players, and an inexperienced club in general at this level, then I hope we can." 

Did you know? 

Sevilla have won only two of their last 19 Champions League matches (D8 L9). 

Man United vs Bayern (21:00) 

United must win and hope the other game in this group ends in a draw if they are to find their way into the round of 16 – a tough assignment against the runaway Group A winners. Midfielder Bruno Fernandes insists they can take the final step if they improve on their decision-making from the 3-3 draw at Galatasaray. "We have to keep our heads up and understand it's about finding the right pass to the player who is free, trying to get [the ball] to the one who is in the best position and not taking the chance ourselves. We have to put the team first," he said. 

Did you know? 

Bayern are unbeaten in a competition record 39 Champions League group stage matches (W35 D4), since a 3-0 defeat against Paris in September 2017. 

Dortmund vs Paris (21:00) 

Dortmund's fine 3-1 success at Milan rubber-stamped their place in the round of 16 and Paris will join them, as group winners, if they can beat the German outfit for the second time in this section. "The most important thing is to focus on ourselves," said coach Luis Enrique. "If we win, we're going to finish first, but even if we lose, we could go through to the next phase. It's so complicated, but I hope we can make it easier by winning against Dortmund." Borussia defender Mats Hummels insists his team will not hold back against Enrique's men. "We want to get first spot and avoid the crazy good teams," he said. "We don't want to go out in the round of 16." 

Did you know? 

Paris have scored in each of their last 49 Champions League group stage matches, since a 1-0 defeat away to Real Madrid in November 2015. 

Newcastle vs Milan (21:00) 

These sides will be keeping a close eye on the Paris scoreline but know they have to win regardless if they are to have any hope of snatching a place in the round of 16. Midfielder Bruno Guimarães believes the Magpies can beat the odds to progress, saying: "We have to keep the faith. We still have one game at home and hope our fans make an amazing atmosphere, and we can do what we have to do." The message is the same from the Milan camp, though, with Ruben Loftus-Cheek dreaming of a triumphant return to England. "We need to remain hopeful we can do the job in Newcastle," he said. 

Did you know? 

Milan have only scored three goals across their last seven Champions League matches. 

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