Champions League table: Atalanta reach play-offs, Bologna eliminated

Atalanta have secured a place in the knockout league phase play-offs but look well placed to get a ticket for straight access into the round-of-16, while Bologna became the first Serie A team to be eliminated from the competition.

La Dea thrashed Sturm Graz 5-0 and their hopes of avoiding the two-legged round in February will depend on next week’s fixture at Barcelona.

Meanwhile, the Rossoblu finally grabbed their first Champions League win of the season in dramatic fashion, coming back from behind to beat Borussia Dortmund with two goals in quick succession.

Juventus wasted the chance to increase their chances of directly reaching the round-of-16 by picking up their third draw from their last four European fixtures.

Liverpool and Barcelona are guaranteed in the top eight, with Atletico Madrid, Arsenal, Bayer Leverkusen, Inter, Aston Villa, Brest, Monaco and Lille already sure of taking part at least in the play-offs alongside Atalanta.

However, the Nerazzurri could make a significant step forward to finishing in the top eight tomorrow by beating Sparta Prague, with Milan also forced to beat Girona if they want to skip the play-off route.