UEFA Champions League 2024-25 Matchday 7: Fixtures and Matches To Watch Out For

The UEFA Champions League 2024-25 introduced the new league phase format, and six matchdays have already been wrapped up. 

Out of eight, only the last two matchdays are left to take place in the newly-adopted structure and we have some scorching encounters waiting for us in the coming weeks. 

What name will be on the trophy in 2025? #UCL pic.twitter.com/lbLEzjYZNN

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) January 16, 2025

Ahead of the seventh matchday from January 21st to 23rd, 2025, have a look at the UEFA Champions League 2024-25 Matchday 7 Fixtures and matches you should definitely keep your eyes on!

In this article, Sportz Point brings you all the details you need to know.

UEFA Champions League 2024-25 Matchday 7 Fixtures

As the knockout stage approaches gradually, Matchday 7 of UCL 2024-25 will be full of surprises, setbacks, drama, and plenty of footballing actions across Europe. 

Eight teams are supposed to earn direct Round of 16 berths, whereas only Liverpool and FC Barcelona have earned their knock-out qualification tickets.

No other team has earned the knock-out qualification or play-off places, ensuring most of the matches to be of end-to-end contest.

Here is the full fixture of Matchday 7 of UCL 2024-25:

We're back! 🙌#UCL pic.twitter.com/a3kizqozJt

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) January 20, 2025

Key matches to watch

Atletico Madrid vs Bayer Leverkusen

Legends of the game coming together again. 🤝 pic.twitter.com/kNwhWMMPuX

— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) January 19, 2025

Bayer Leverkusen will compete for the direct qualification to the Round of 16, whereas Atletico Madrid will need to find pace to secure their direct qualification.

Leverkusen are currently placed fourth in the table, having bagged 13 points in 6 matches. On the other hand, Atletico are positioned eleventh with 12 points in 6 matches as of now.

UCL mode activated 🌟 pic.twitter.com/VT9jHKJexB

— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) January 19, 2025

This game will be one of the most crucial games in the dying stage of the league phase, where a win for Leverkusen will almost finalize their direct RO16 qualification. If Atletico wins, they will build pressure on Dortmund, Bayern, and AC Milan, all of whom same points after matchday 6.

Benfica vs Barcelona

✈️ Off to Lisbon! pic.twitter.com/MJVthn1V0N

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 20, 2025

Barcelona have already earned their knockout qualification tickets, but to ensure a direct entry into the RO16, they must salvage a victory. Benfica also have chances to qualify for knock-outs, but the next two matches are of do-or-die situation for them.

Barcelona are standing in the second place now, having earned 15 points in 6 matches. On the contrary, Benfica are currently fifteenth with 10 points from 6 matches so far.

If the Portuguese side manages an emphatic win at home over the Catalan giants, they will receive a significant boost for their chances of knockout qualification. If Barcelona fall short against Benfica, it will impact the standings and the last match will be very crucial for them.

Liverpool vs Lille OSC

Up next: MD7 in the @ChampionsLeague ✨ pic.twitter.com/VJqfROSo3b

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 20, 2025

The high-flying Liverpool are the only side to remain unbeaten in UCL so far, standing atop with the best odds to qualify directly for the RO16. On the other side, Lille OSC are the dark horses this season, are they will leave no stone unturned to continue their impressive run.

Liverpool are currently leading the leaderboard, having accumulated 18 points in 6 matches. Lille OSC are eighth as of now, earning 13 points in 6 games.

Victory secured ✅
Up to third 🥉
Next ➡️ Liverpool ⏳ pic.twitter.com/qSEMHnbX9K

— LOSC (@LOSC_EN) January 20, 2025

Lille has delivered some of the most shocking results this season by beating Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, as they will focus on qualifying directly for the knockouts. Liverpool will also look for ways to keep their composure intact.

Paris Saint-Germain vs Manchester City

🌍 #UCL's back
🏆 Women's League Cup derby
📺 Two CITY+ matches

All that and much more in another very busy week at City 👇

— Manchester City (@ManCity) January 20, 2025

Both these sides have faced tough times in the Champions League this season. Paris Saint-Germain will face Manchester City as they will try to find ways of entering the knockout zone, whereas City will try to get better of the teams that are on the same points as them.

Paris Saint-Germain is currently sitting at the 25 position with 7 points in 6 matches. Man City are now 22nd, earning 8 points in 6 games.

Both teams are in danger of getting excluded from the league phase, so a big win is all these two sides will covet.

Group Stage Standings Ahead of Matchday 7

Confirmed in Round of 16 or knockout phase play-offs: Liverpool, FC Barcelona

Eliminated: Leipzig, Slovan Bratislava, Young Boys

Confirmed in round of 16 or knockout phase play-offs: Liverpool & Barcelona ✅#UCL pic.twitter.com/Na2SzmZuwi

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) December 12, 2024

What’s Next: Knockout Stage Outlook

2024-25 is the first Champions League season under the revamped format, paving the way for further actions to be unfolded. 

The top eight teams on the leaderboard after matchday 8 advance directly to the round of 16. The sides finishing from ninth to 24th will compete in the knockout play-offs, as eight winning teams will qualify for the Round of 16.

The new Champions League format explained #UCLdraw pic.twitter.com/SAKyuwN16l

— 𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗘𝗥𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗗 𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗝𝗔 (@iamjoseh_) August 29, 2024