As the UEFA Champions League league phase enters its final three rounds, several of Europe’s top clubs are in serious danger of failing to advance to the knockout stages.

Under the new Champions League format, teams must finish in the top 8 of their group to automatically qualify for the round of 16. Those finishing 9th to 24th will enter a playoff round, while clubs placed 25th to 36th will be eliminated entirely from this season’s competition.

Reigning champions Real Madrid currently sit in 24th place, just above the elimination zone. Defeats to AC Milan, Lille, and Liverpool have left the Spanish giants struggling. Their upcoming trip to face Atalanta, who are unbeaten in the group so far, could prove pivotal.

Manchester City are also in trouble, languishing in 17th place. Pep Guardiola’s side will take on Juventus, who are 19th, in a crucial clash on Tuesday. Both teams are desperately in need of a win to boost their qualification hopes.

Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain find themselves in an even more precarious position, occupying 25th place. The French champions face a must-win game against RB Salzburg, who are one of the few teams below them in the standings. After that, they have a daunting fixture against fellow strugglers Manchester City.

With several European heavyweights in danger of an early Champions League exit, the final three matchdays promise to be tense and dramatic as clubs fight to preserve their continental ambitions.