Champions League: 5 top teams in danger of slipping down into the Europa League

#5 Sporting Clube de Portugal (Lisbon)

Sporting CP have been one of the unlucky teams in the Champions League this season

Group D was always going to be predictable from the start. The presence of two previous Champions League finalists in Barcelona and Juventus was always going to make this a lopsided group.

However, Sporting CP will count themselves very unlucky to not give The Old Lady a run for their money. Although they have been in fine form in Europe, results haven't gone their way.

A narrow 3-2 win over Olympiacos after leading 3-0 at half-time set the tone for their European campaign. They managed to prevent Barcelona from scoring, but lost 1-0 thanks to a Sebastian Coates own goal.

The Portuguese club then almost overcame Juventus at home before Gonzalo Higuain ensured the Serie A side came away with a point with a late strike.

Champions League - Group D

Mathematically, they could even topple Juventus. Sporting CP has the squad to finish second ahead of a Juventus side that has blown hot and cold this season.

But both sides play Barcelona in the remaining two games and it is the Spanish club that could eventually decide who finishes second and third unless Greek side Olympiakos spring a surprise.