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 nearly crashed out, but came from behind in the second half, and in the end, all European giants reached the knockout rounds of the Champions League.

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

Pep Guardiola says Manchester City will embrace the "challenge" of Wednesday's must-win Champions League clash against Club Brugge and is confident they will make the knockout stages. Guardiola has never failed to reach the Champions League knockout stages in his career as a manager and he said Tuesday he was confident his side would progress.

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,