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Both Manchester United and Newcastle United have a challenging final week ahead as they strive to secure a spot in the knockout stage of the Champions League.
United’s chances of advancing to the round of 16 are still possible despite a turbulent performance in their European games under Erik ten Hag. However, their destiny is no longer within their control after a thrilling 3-3 tie with Galatasaray.
Newcastle faced a tougher path in their comeback to the Champions League as they were placed in the “group of death” alongside Paris Saint-Germain, Borussia Dortmund, and AC Milan.
Despite narrowly missing out on a notable victory against PSG in their previous match, Eddie Howe’s team, who have been dealing with injuries, approach their upcoming game against AC Milan with the knowledge that they still have a chance to advance to the last-16 alongside Borussia Dortmund.
Before the final round of matches, here is all the information you need to know.
What is the way for Manchester United to qualify?
In order for United to have a chance at qualifying, they must defeat Bayern Munich at Old Trafford and also rely on favorable outcomes in other matches.
If United defeats Bayern, they can only advance to the last-16 if the match between FC Copenhagen and Galatasaray ends in a tie.
If either Copenhagen or Galatasaray is victorious, United will be eliminated from the Champions League, no matter their outcome against Bayern.
If United defeats Bayern, they will secure a spot in the Europa League as long as they finish in third place, regardless of the outcome of the Copenhagen-Galatasaray match.
If United loses at Old Trafford or if both Group A matches end in a tie, they will finish in fourth place and be eliminated from Europe.
What is the process for Newcastle to qualify?
To advance to the next round, Newcastle needs to win against AC Milan at their home stadium and rely on Paris Saint-Germain to either tie or lose to Borussia Dortmund, who have already secured their spot in the last-16. Any other outcome for Newcastle will not guarantee their progression to the knockout stage.
If PSG wins, they will advance to the last-16. They can also advance with a draw if AC Milan is victorious at St James’ Park. However, if PSG loses and AC Milan and Newcastle draw, they will still qualify. AC Milan will qualify if they defeat Newcastle and PSG is defeated by Dortmund.
If Newcastle ties with Milan and their points are the same, they will move down to the Europa League.
Source: independent.co.uk