There is going to be a blockbuster Champions League knockout playoff round tie between Manchester City and Bayern Munich or Real Madrid. Here's why.

Manchester City's Champions League hopes almost went up in smoke against Club Brugge - but a big improvement is needed to make the last 16, says BBC Sport chief football writer Phil McNulty.

Manchester City face an intriguing Champions League last 16 play-off tie against either title holders Real Madrid or five-time winners Bayern Munich. That is already known because all 24 teams that have advanced from the league phase are placed in a tennis-like bracket for the first time - showing a team's potential path towards the May 31 final in Munich.

What to look out for Knockout phase places are up for grabs as the inaugural league phase of the UEFA Champions League reaches a dramatic conclusion.

Arne Slot's side completes a perfect league phase with eight wins out of eight moving on to the round of 16 as the top team. An extremely promising and dominant showing from the Dutchman's debut in the Champions League as Liverpool boss.

With all 36 teams in action on Wednesday and sky-high stakes for some of Europe's leading clubs, the final first round matchday of the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League season didn't disappoint.