How the playoff and round of 16 matchups would look for Atlético Madrid in the Champions League
The Champions League enters a crucial phase with only one round remaining in the new league phase. The top eight teams will qualify directly for the round of 16, while teams from ninth to twenty-fourth place will have to play a preliminary playoff.
Atlético de Madrid, fifth before the last round, depends on themselves to avoid the playoffs and qualify directly for the round of 16. If they beat Salzburg, they will mathematically be among the top eight.
Those who pass the playoff cut will advance to the round of 16, where they will already find the top eight, including Barcelona. The first leg of the round of 16 matches will be played between March 4 and 5, and the second leg a week later.
