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The final league stage fixtures of the Champions League will be played simultaneously on Wednesday, 28 January. All 18 games will kick-off at 20: 00 GMT because it is the end of the competition's league stage in the new format - similar to the final day of the Premier League. For many teams, including the Premier League sides involved, there is still all to play for on Wednesday. The schedule ensures that no team has an unfair advantage by having a later kick-off and therefore knowing what they would need to progress in the competition. This ruling came about after the 1982 World Cup group stage match between West Germany and Austria, where both teams knew a 1-0 win for the Germans was enough for both to qualify above Algeria, who had already played Chile the previous day. West Germany scored in the first half and a perceived lack of effort from both sides in the second half led to Algeria making a formal complaint to Fifa. Fifa said the teams did not break any rules, but they did change the structure so the final group stage games at the World Cup take place simultaneously. The current Champions League fixture schedule was brought in when the new league phase format began in the 2024-25 season. It also ensures that the teams furthest away in Europe are playing away to keep the time zone difference minimal. Kazakhstani side Kairat Almaty are playing Arsenal away at the Emirates Stadium in London, but should it have been a home game, it would have kicked off at 01: 00 local time. It is a similar case for Azerbaijani club Qarabag, who are playing away at Liverpool. The fixture would have began at 00: 00 local time. The latest game in the final gameweek takes place in Cyprus with Pafos playing Slavia Prague at 22: 00 local time. The top eight teams at the end of the league phase will progress to the last-16. Teams between ninth and 24 will compete in a two-legged knockout play-off. This article is the latest from BBC Sport's Ask Me Anything team. Arsenal have won all seven of the league stage matches in the Champions League this season Send us your questions What are the new Champions League rules? Who can discuss a free transfer in January? How is Premier League doing in race for five Champions League places? Australian Open: Sinner breaks Shelton after winning first set - listen & follow Transfer window updates with five days remaining: Where could Mateta go? Six English clubs, one huge night - all to play for in Champions League Comedy thriller starring James Corden and Mathew Baynton A faceless hacker threatens to expose Finland's deepest secrets Chi is once again forced to contend with life and death Greg Foot investigates testosterone replacement therapy Bayern legend? How Kane is viewed in Germany as contract talks begin Why England legend Root is so effective in Asia Global brand in an EFL world - Wrexham's £48m cash injection explained What happens next after latest link between heading and brain disease? Who has made Troy's Premier League team of the week? Why did Alcaraz, Sinner & Sabalenka have to remove fitness trackers? Six English clubs, one huge night - all to play for in Champions League Can unfancied Scots be Six Nations contenders? F1 testing begins - but why all the secrecy? Cal-fouri, a lesser-spotted law & Russell v the Shed - Prem talking points 'Another unbelievable result' - but what's different about Man Utd now? 'Intoxicating title fight impossible to call as Hearts refuse to buckle' Grudge match or homecoming - what next for Pimblett? Is Sinner-Alcaraz in danger of making majors boring? Copyright © 2026 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.