There is no let-up in the 2022/23 UEFA Champions League group stage schedule.
Below is a game-by-game preview of Tuesday’s games for Matchday 6.
Porto vs Atlético (18:45 CET)
Atlético reached the last 16 at Porto’s expense when these sides met on Matchday 6 last year, but there will be no repeat this time around after failure to beat Leverkusen ended Atleti’s qualification hopes. “There are two places we can take this – act like the victims or continue to work. I choose to continue working,” said Diego Simeone, whose team can at least seal a UEFA Europa League spot with a win here. No such worries for last-16 bound Porto, who can still win the group.
Leverkusen vs Club Brugge (18:45)
A Europa League spot is the goal for Leverkusen after their Matchday 5 draw at Atlético, though they need their Spanish rivals to slip up. “We just need to keep pushing forward,” said Callum Hudson-Odoi, reflecting on the German side’s Champions League elimination. Club Brugge are in control of their destiny as they eye first place and coach Carl Hoefkens believes they can top the section if they clear their heads following that 4-0 reverse against Porto. “I’m annoyed,” he said. “Now it’s about how we react.”
Liverpool vs Napoli (21:00)
The great AC Milan side of 1992/93 are the only Italian team to have won all six games in this group stage, but Napoli can match them here. “So far, we’ve been almost perfect,” said coach Luciano Spalletti. Liverpool need a huge victory if they are to prise top spot from their guests, having lost the reverse fixture 4-1. Defender Andy Robertson remembers it well: “That was a hugely disappointing night… but we have nothing to lose. A lot of magical things have happened at Anfield.”
Rangers vs Ajax (21:00)
Beaten 4-0 in Amsterdam on Matchday 1, the Scottish side need a sizable victory to pip Ajax to a Europa League slot. “It’s our last game at home,” said defender James Tavernier. “We have to put a performance in for our fans.” Ajax also have their sights set on that consolation prize. “Our goal was to reach the next round of the Champions League, but we didn’t succeed,” explained Steven Berghuis. “So now we have our eyes on the Europa League. We’re still disappointed, but that’s our focus now.”
Bayern vs Inter (21:00)
Although the four finishing positions in Group C are already set, there are scores to settle. Inter were beaten 2-0 in the reverse fixture but took ten points from their next four games, and have hit a rich vein of form in front of goal. Little wonder coach Simone Inzaghi is buoyant: “I think we have exceeded expectations… We are all happy in Inter world.” With five wins from five, Bayern are equally upbeat and back-to-back perfect group stages is the prize on offer for Julian Nagelsmann’s men.
Plzeň vs Barcelona (21:00)
“There are still four trophies left for us to win,” said Barcelona boss Xavi Hernández after defeat by Bayern on Matchday 5 ended his side’s hopes of reaching the Champions League round of 16. “We all have to stay positive.” The five-time European champions have a chance to take the only major continental title that still eludes them when they enter the Europa League in the spring, while Plzeň will hope to get their first points in what has been a brutally tough section.
Sporting CP vs Frankfurt (21:00)
Rúben Amorim’s Sporting won 3-0 at Frankfurt on Matchday 1 but are level on points with their German rivals – and everything is to play for in Group D. “Now we have to play a final,” said defender Pedro Porro as he looked ahead. Frankfurt forward Randal Kolo Muani expressed hope that his team could avenge that Sporting defeat after the 2021/22 Europa League winners beat Marseille on Matchday 5, saying: “It’s not over yet.”
Marseille vs Tottenham (21:00)
“We can go through by winning at home in front of our fans,” said Marseille coach Igor Tudor as he looked ahead to his team’s final group stage assignment. “What more do you want?” Just two points separate OM (in fourth) from section leaders Spurs, who may be smarting from a late disallowed goal against Sporting CP on Matchday 5 that would have put them in the round of 16. “We can guarantee qualification in the next game,” said Lucas Moura, looking on the bright side.
