The UEFA Champions League returns following the break for the Christmas holidays. Two group-stage matches remain in January under this season’s new format, with much at stake.
The top eight teams will progress directly to the knockout stage, while teams finishing from ninth to 24th will compete in a play-off to secure their place in the next phase.
Beyond the sporting implications, however, the financial aspect is equally important, as significant sums of money are involved.
€27 million on the line for Barcelona
As reported by MARCA, Barcelona have as much as €27 million at stake in their upcoming matches against Benfica and Atalanta in the UEFA Champions League
The Blaugrana’s primary objective is to finish top of their group – currently, they sit second, behind Liverpool.
Finishing first would earn the Catalans a €10 million reward. If they fail to top the group, the financial reward diminishes progressively. Furthermore, finishing in the top eight comes with an additional €2 million bonus.
