The UEFA Champions League's first-ever league phase is over, and the knockout stage outlook is now much clearer. Manchester City avoided disaster, Liverpool topped the league-phase table, and we will get Manchester City against either Real Madrid or Bayern Munich in the playoffs.

Manchester City scored three second half goals to come back from the brink of elimination and advance to the UEFA Champions League’s inaugural knockout round playoffs following a thrilling 3-1 victory over Club Brugge on Wednesday night.

The two European giants know City are struggling but will still have a sense of dread at maybe having to face Pep Guardiola’s men

The UEFA Champions League's first-ever league phase came to a dramatic close on Wednesday, setting up for an equally entertaining knockout stage that begins in two weeks' time. The introduction of the new format means the Champions League will introduce a new phase of competition in February when 16 teams will take part in the knockout round playoffs.

Manchester City can help England secure an extra European qualifying spot next season if they advance in the Champions League.

Champions League clubs stage their own version of WWE wrestling’s Battle Royal on Wednesday when all 36 clubs play at the same time to decide their fate. Kick-off for all the matches in the final round of league-phase fixtures is 8pm,