Champions League: 5 top teams in danger of slipping down into the Europa League
We've reached the business end of the Champions League group stages and we have a brief idea of who could qualify from most of the eight groups. Some groups are pretty much done and dusted while others could go right down to the wire.
While most of the usual suspects are assured of reaching the Round of 16, there are a few heavyweights who are in real danger of missing out on a top-two finish. As we all know, the third-placed team drops down into the Europa League.
Here are five top teams who could end being demoted to the knockout stages of Europe's secondary competition.
#1 Atletico Madrid
Group C was always going to be the 'Group of Death' when the Champions League draw was made in August. Poor Qaraba? FK, the first team from Azerbaijan to qualify for the group stages, never stood a chance against the likes of Chelsea, AS Roma and Atletico Madrid.
Back in August, fans predicted the race for second spot to be between Roma and Chelsea given Atletico's recent record, the Italian team's struggles in the competition and Blues manager Antonio Conte's record in Europe.
However, Diego Simeone's men now face an uphill task. Their draw against Qaraba? has put their qualification hopes in jeopardy as they now face Roma and Chelsea in the final two games.
The Rojiblancos have scored just two goals in the competition so far - a penalty against Chelsea and one goal against Qaraba?. And the club's biggest problem is that they are too reliant on Antoine Griezmann.
“He is a player who has given us bad habits because he is the player who always solves the offensive problems of the team.
“When he scores goals, the team has a great chance of winning. But when he does not score, obviously it’s more difficult.” - Diego Simeone
Simeone's 4-4-2 formation has failed to work in Europe and the midfield has failed to create enough chances for the forwards. It is actually defender Filipe Luis who has created the most chances for the team in Europe this season.
And in front of goal, their conversion rate has been hopeless.
With Roma playing well and still undefeated, the Serie A side look most likely to top the group considering they are yet to play Qaraba? at home. Chelsea may just scrape through if they beat Qaraba? again - a team they thrashed 6-0 on Matchday 1.
Atletico's qualification is not in their hands anymore. A team that reached two finals in three years could now end up in the Europa League.