in Bayer 04's own hands
A win against Sparta Prague on Wednesday and a better goal difference than the teams below – supposing those teams win as well – would secure the Werkself a place in the top eight. A win with a worse goal difference could be enough if a team above Bayer 04 fail to pick up three points.
If the points are level with the same goal difference then the following criteria will be decisive in this order: the greater number of goals scored, the greater number of away goals scored, the greater number of wins in the league phase, the greater number of away wins.
All games on Matchday 8 will kick off at the same time on Wednesday at 21.00 CET.
the two routes: Top eight or Play-offs
If the Werkself end the league phase in the top eight then they would go straight through to the Round of 16 over two legs on 4/5 March and 11/12 March. Bayer 04 would be at home in the second leg. If the Werkself reach the Round of 16 via the play-offs then the first leg would be at home and the second leg away.
If Bayer 04 have to compete in the play-off round then the Black and Reds would play the first leg on 11th/12th February and the second leg on 18/19 February. If the Werkself are in places 9 to 16 after the match against Sparta Prague then they would be at home in the second leg. A finish in places 17 to 24 would mean playing the second leg away. Who plays who in the play-offs will be drawn in Nyon in Switzerland on Friday, 31 January at noon CET. The eight clubs, who come through the play-off round, will complete the Round of 16 line-up.
The UEFA website has further information and an interactive simulator to show where each team can end up. Click HERE for the UEFA website.
Tickets for sparta Prague game
Tickets are still available for the important Champions League clash at the BayArena against Sparta Prague. Click HERE for the web shop. The match will be broadcast live on DAZN and Werkself Radio.
