Focus turns to Europa League place
The top two places in Group D have been finalised.
This means that the focus for Group D will fall on who can finish third and gain entry to the Europa League in the New Year.
This may mean that some fans overlook this group but Athletico Madrid and Apoel Nicosia fans will be fully focused for the battle ahead and this is the game in Match day 5:
Apoel Nicosia v Athletico Madrid
Porto v Chelsea
Porto and Chelsea have clashed a few times in recent years and Jose Mourinho is the obvious link between these two. However, it is the match in Cyprus that has anything of value attached to it.
These two teams met in Match day 1 of this seasons Champions League, playing out a goal-less draw in Madrid. Apoel Nicosia have lost every game since then, which has resulted in them being grounded at the bottom of the group.
With the Cypriot team finishing their campaign at Stamford Bridge, they really need to pick up these three points to progress. In all likelihood, it will be too much of a task for the small side up against the might of Athletico Madrid.
Even though they would have known that Chelsea are one of the tournaments favourites, Athletico fans would have had genuine hope for a tussle with Porto.
The fact that both last sixteen places were finalised with two games to spare has been very disappointing, proving the lack of bite Athletico have shown throughout the campaign.
Cyprus is the place to be in Group D.
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