The eighth finals of the Champions League may just become memorable from a Dutch perspective. Portugal still has two irons in the fire in the Champions League with Benfica and Sporting Portugal, but Ajax can do great business in the national interest in the battle for the coveted sixth place.
Virtually, the Netherlands is already above Portugal after an insane catch-up race, but the lead is minimal. If the Netherlands manages to keep Portugal behind them next year, it will secure two direct tickets for the Champions League group stage in 2023. After this season, the dramatic results from the 2017/18 season will expire.
In view of that beautiful battle, the eighth final of the Champions League is beautiful. The Netherlands and Benfica are competing against each other in national interest. The winner is assured of winning points, bonus points and the chance to collect extra points. In addition, Sporting Portugal will take on the strong Manchester City after the turn of the year, which should beat Sporting based on the differences in strength.
Portugal also has SC Braga and FC Porto as trump cards in the Europa League. Braga will take on FC Sheriff Tiraspol in the intermediate round of the Europa League, which managed to win spectacularly against Real Madrid earlier this season. FC Porto also relegated from the Champions League and must get a place in the quarterfinals of the Europa League via Lazio.