With one matchday remaining in the Champions League group stage, the three French clubs can still have a chance of progressing further in the competition. Even though Marseille and Monaco are not in the same position as PSG, who have already secured a playoff spot but will be eager to secure their place in the round of 16.

The hope of seeing three French clubs still in the Champions League at the end of February remains. This is the key takeaway from this 7th matchday of the Champions League group stage, where PSG (2-1 defeat against Sporting), OM (0-3 defeat against Liverpool) and AS Monaco (suffering a 6-1 defeat against Real Madrid) all suffered losses.

No, these defeats have not destroyed the ambitions of the French representatives, at various levels, since they will start the final day, Wednesday January 28 (9 p.m., grand multiplex to follow on RMC Sport) at least as play-off contenders.

As a reminder, the top eight teams in the standings will qualify directly for the round of 16. Teams ranked 9th through 24th will compete in two-legged playoffs to determine the other eight teams that will advance to the round of 16. Clubs ranked 25th through 36th will be eliminated from the Champions League and will not be transferred to the Europa League.

Paris at the Parc des Princes faces a direct competitor to secure their top 8 finish

Let's start with PSG, currently 6th and directly qualified for the Round of 16 – and guaranteed at least a playoff spot. The Parisians lead a group of eight teams with 13 points, boosted by a superior goal difference (+10). Luis Enrique's men will have the opportunity next Wednesday at the Parc des Princes to secure their top-eight finish against, moreover, a direct rival, Newcastle... also 7th (+10).

A perilous trip for OM to Bruges

For Marseille, currently 19th, the key is to secure points on the road against Bruges – preferably three, but at least one. The task will be all the more difficult given their poor away form in the competition this season (one win, two losses). The Belgians, on the other hand, have added Monaco to their list of victims at home (a 4-1 victory on the opening day) and held Barcelona to a draw (3-3). Therefore, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and his teammates should be wary...

ASM face Juventus at Louis-II, a necessary feat to dream of the playoffs

Monaco, finally. Mired in a dismal run in the league (four defeats in their last four matches), the players from the Principality are lacking confidence, and the thrashing they received against Real Madrid on Tuesday night will do nothing to reassure them. Nevertheless, ASM, 21st in the standings, are still in contention and virtually qualified for the playoffs. Denis Zakaria and his teammates will host a Juventus side transformed under Spalletti at the Stade Louis II, a team that has won three consecutive Champions League matches and can still dream of a top-eight finish.

The schedule for French clubs on the final matchday, January 28th:

PSG-Newcastle (ENG)

Bruges (BEL) - OM

Monaco-Juve (ITA)

The schedule for the final phase of the Champions League

Play-off draw: January 30, 2026

Play-offs: February 17-18 and 24-25, 2026

The full draw for the final phase will take place on February 27, 2026.

Round of 16: March 10-11 and 17-18, 2026

Quarter-finals: April 7-8 and 14-15, 2026

Semi-finals: April 28-29 and May 5-6, 2026

Final: May 30, 2026