Both sides had already secured a spot in the last 32 going into their final games, but there was still work to do for both sides as they made sure they topped their group and ensured an easier draw in the knockout stages.
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Both Oumar Niasse and Aleksandr Samedov have been firing on all cylinders, bagging four a-piece during the group stage, with the club’s only defeat coming against Sporting in November – a record matched by Krasnodar, who’s only loss came against German giants Borussia Dortmund. Liverpool and Spurs, meanwhile, won their respective Europa League groups and earned their seeded status that way. But, like Liverpool, the way the groups have finished means there is little reward for finishing first this time.
The Premier League trio are all seeded but a number of huge clubs lurk in the unseeded half including Borussia Dortmund, Sporting Lisbon, Fiorentina and Gary Neville’s Valencia.
Memphis Depay has been left red-faced on Twitter after Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City supporters reminded the Manchester United winger of a tweet from over 12 months ago. They obviously pose a threat, having beaten Monaco away to help secure their place. This is a big competition and we’re also a big team.
Augsburg – Arguably the most favourable of all the possible opponents, the German side has struggled domestically this season after overachieving in 2014/15.
Whilst the United players were seemingly disappointed with their Champions League exit, it wasn’t too long ago that Memphis was thrilled to qualify for the Europa League.
Manchester City ( $13 ), Chelsea ( $17 ) and Arsenal ( $26 ) seem unlikely to win the continental title, while the other clubs are rank outsiders as reflected by their odds.
Galatasaray – Travelling to Istanbul is always a potentially tricky game and Gala will be waiting to take advantage of any who find it overwhelming.
Who’s Been Avoided For Now?
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United, Porto, Olympiakos and Bayer Leverkusen were the four best third-placed sides to drop out of the Champions League.
