Real Madrid currently sit 16th in the Champions League table so can they still qualify for the Champions League knockout stages?
Last night, Real Madrid were high-flying in the UEFA Champions League. It felt like a long-time coming in Europe this season but Carlo Ancelotti's men completely dismantled RB Salzburg. It was a no-mercy style performance from Los Blancos.
Despite fans being impressed by key players such as Kylian Mbappe, Rodrygo, Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior shining on the European stage, there was a looming feeling of "this could be too little too late."
That said, is it too late for Real Madrid? Are they able to qualify for the UEFA Champions League knockouts at this stage? Let's take a look at the possibilities...
How do the Champions League play-offs work?
Teams who finish between ninth to 24th in the Champions League group stage will play a two-game play-off stage to decide which teams progress to the Champions League knockouts.
If a team finishes eighth place or higher in the group stage, they will immediately qualify for the knockout stages.
Can Real Madrid still qualify for the Champions League knockouts?
Well, the short answer is that Real Madrid are not eliminated. In fact, as a minimum, they have already secured their spot in the two-game play-off stage.
That said, it is not technically over for Real Madrid and their hopes for instant qualification (by finishing eighth or higher). They are only one point behind Bayer Leverkusen, who occupy the last immediate qualification spot as it stands.
So, if Real Madrid win their final game in the group stage against Brest and other results go their way, Real Madrid could immediately qualify for the knockout stages by finishing eighth or higher.
However, it is far more realistic at this stage that Real Madrid are forced to play in the two-game play-off rounds. It would be a miracle if they finish in the top eight and immediately qualify, after all.
When are the Champions League play-offs played?
The Champions League play-offs are scheduled to be played on February 11th, 12th and February 18th, 19th. Then, the first knockout stage (Round of 16) will be played on March 4th, 5th and March 11th, 12th.