UEFA Champions League 2016/17: 5 things to look forward to from Matchday 6
With most of the groups sorted out, the last remaining set of fixtures in the Champions League group stages remains more or less a formality. Barring a few matches, the dust has settled on the two qualifying teams from the groups and this last set of fixtures is more instrumental in determining the Europa league qualifiers and the table toppers.
Barring Groups H and B, the teams through to the knockout stages have already been determined. And the final set of fixtures will bring forth the names who are to be put in the pot as the first half of this season’s Champions League draws to a close.
#1 Group B – A race to the end
Of all the groups, this has been the group which has been hotly contested. Comprising the likes of Benfica, Napoli, Besiktas and Dynamo Kyiv this group has served up equally contested matches. For most neutrals, one would have expected Napoli to waltz across their opponents and top the group.
But the reality is quite different and sport has the effect of humbling even the mightiest. The Serie A side is tied for the second spot on goal difference and anything other than a win may jeopardise their chance of further progress.
A convincing win over Inter Milan at the weekend is sure to boost the confidence of the squad and the Partenopei Gli Azzurri, will hope that they can put one over their Portuguese opponents, Benfica, who suffered a defeat over the weekend.
Besiktas, on the other hand, head to Kyiv looking for a victory but they will keep a keen eye on the other set of matches happening in their group.