This is where things get interesting.

Let’s start with the easy bit. For Real Madrid and Liverpool, both on 15 points, and Tottenham, on 14 points, a victory on matchday eight will secure direct entry into the last-16 draw.

While Spurs face already eliminated Eintracht Frankfurt in Germany, Arne Slot’s side are at home to Qarabag, who can still make the top eight.

“It’s very important as you miss the play-offs, and it helps with the intense programme that we’re having,” Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk told Uefa.

“It’s all down to us again next week, at home. Let’s make sure we’re in the top eight. We’ve put ourselves in a good position, but that’s for next week.”

Madrid are away to Joe Mourinho’s Benfica, who need a win to have a chance of sneaking into the play-offs.

Behind Spurs come a group of eight teams, starting with holders Paris St-Germain in sixth down to Atalanta in 13th, on 13 points.

Newcastle, Chelsea and Manchester City are all in that group needing a win – and even then knowing their fate could come down to goal difference.

Eddie Howe’s side face the daunting task of travelling to PSG, while Chelsea are away to Napoli and City host Galatasaray.

Everyone down to Qarabag in 18th still have a mathematical chance of automatically advancing.

That is in part because, remarkably, despite 16 teams still being in contention for the six remaining top-eight spots, only two of the 18 matches next Wednesday have those sides facing each other.

Newcastle’s trip to Paris is one, Borussia Dortmund at home to Inter Milan is the other.