Is the Champions League group stage decided on goal difference or head-to-head?

THE Champions League group stage continues tonight with all eyes on Europe’s elite competition.

Chelsea take on AC Milan this evening while Man City travel to Copenhagen for their European duties.

Groups are expected to finish in typically tight fashion, but only 16 teams can reach the knockout stages of the competition.

So what happens if teams finish on the same number of points in the group? We’ve got all the answers for you.

Manchester United could need a better head-to-head to progress

How are teams that finish level on points sorted in the Champions League?

Teams that finish level on points in the Champions League group stage are sorted by the following criteria.

Unlike the Premier League – which uses goal difference when teams are tied on points – the Champions League separates the teams on head-to-head points among the two fixtures between the sides.

1. Points in head-to-head matches among tied teams;
2. Goal difference in head-to-head matches among tied teams;
3. Goals scored in head-to-head matches among tied teams;
4. Away goals scored in head-to-head matches among tied teams;
5. Goal difference in all group matches;
6. Goals scored in all group matches;
7. Away goals scored in all group matches;
8. Wins in all group matches;
9. Away wins in all group matches;
10. Disciplinary points (red card = 3 points, yellow card = 1 point, expulsion for two yellow cards in one match = 3 points);
11. UEFA club coefficient.

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk