Barcelona is risking 27 million euros in its last two games of the group stage of the Champions League

The UEFA Champions League returns after the break for the Christmas holidays. There are two group stage games left in January under this season’s new format, and the stakes are high.

The top eight teams will advance directly to the knockout phase, while the teams finishing ninth to 24th will compete in a tiebreaker to secure their place in the next phase.

Beyond the sporting implications, the financial aspect is equally important, since significant sums of money are involved.

27 million euros at stake for Barcelona

According to MARCA, Barcelona is betting up to 27 million euros in its next matches against Benfica and Atalanta in the UEFA Champions League

He blaugrana The main objective is to finish first in your group; Currently, they occupy second place, behind Liverpool.

Finishing first would give the Catalans a 10 million euros prize. If they fail to lead the pack, the financial reward progressively decreases. Additionally, finishing in the top eight carries an additional prize. 2 million euros premium.

Furthermore, Barcelona can win another 4.2 million euros if they win their two remaining games in the group stage, since each victory in this round is worth 2.1 million euros.

Finally, securing qualification for the knockout rounds would give the club 11 million euros – taking the total 27.2 million euros.

Barcelona have already mathematically qualified for the playoffs, meaning that even if they don’t finish in the top eight, they still have a chance to claim this financial reward by winning the next tie.

Group stage wins so far

To date, Barcelona have pocketed €29.12 million for their participation in this season’s UEFA Champions League group stage.

This includes €18.62 million for participating in the group stage and €10.5 million for the five wins they have achieved so far.

In total, Barcelona could earn up to €56.12 million at the end of the group stage, a significant sum, especially considering the financial difficulties the club has faced in recent years.

Barça will face SL Benfica away from home tomorrow night before taking on Atalanta in Montjuic next week on January 29.