The suspicion remains that this rather boring and unusually pragmatic Catalonian side will eventually get knocked out against stronger opposition, but the Blaugrana have avoided a third consecutive group-stage exit - and that represents a huge boost for the club, both from a sporting and financial perspective.

Last matchday, they were (rather inevitably) brought back down to Earth in the second half, vs Man City, with a final score of 2-3. However, Leipzig will need a huge amount of support going into 2024. Granted, they've benefited enormously, as they had no real challenge for second place in the group stage, but no 1st place team will want to draw this German team.

The Basques had been having an absolute blast in this season's Champions League, but they felt nothing but frustration during their 0-0 draw with Red Bull Salzburg. La Real had 21 shots in total - their Austrian opponents managed just four - but they just could not find a way through. As a result, they remain level on points with Inter, with whom they drew 1-1 in San Siro, and must now face at San Siro in what is effectively a play-off for top spot in Group D. 

Atlético has made it through to the last 16, and can progress as group winners if they defeat the already-qualified Lazio at the Metropolitano in their final fixture. Some doubt the depth of a squad that is simultaneously facing a title challenge in Spain, but this is a tough team with two veteran attackers in great form (Antoine Griezmann and Alvaro Morata) that can beat anyone on any day, as they've already proven in September's Madrid derby.

Overall, Arsenal haven't played with quite the same fluency this season as last term, and there are serious question marks over the goalkeeping position. But there is undeniably a steeliness about them these days that suggests that they could do some serious damage in the upcoming knockout stage. They're not one of the Premier League leaders for nothing, and fans are anticipating their long-awaited return to Europe's top tournament. 

Very few pundits gave Dortmund any chance of surviving 'The Group of Death"- but they killed it, qualifying with one round remaining thanks to a fantastic 3-1 victory over AC Milan at San Siro, in which 19-year-old Jamie Bynoe-Gittens was excellent, scoring a goal and creating several chances for others.

Inter Milan earned the 4th place slot for their amazing performance, even after they lost against Man City in the final of the Champions League. Lautaro Martínez, one of Inter Milan's strikers posted to Instagram, "I guarantee we tried our best. We will come back stronger."

Manchester City won the Champions League for the first time since joining in 2011 they won most of their games with Kevin de Bruyne because of his precision passing and his play-making skills. And Erling Haaland, the absolute beast, who can score with multiple chances.

Bayern Munich are in 2nd because of the transfer of Harry Kane. Harry Kane is finally winning trophies and getting the attention he deserves. And after Bayern's impressive win against Dortmund 4-0, there's a chance they could have a formidable team next season. 

Why is Real Madrid in 1st? The new transfer of Jude Bellingham put Real Madrid on top with his talent. The England national team already can't be stopped because of Jude Bellingham. With a Real Madrid manager and a good transfer, I have to put them on top. It definitely won't be a fair El Clasico for FC Barcelona who is on a downfall. Hala Madrid!