The group stage at the UEFA Champions League officially came to a close on Wednesday and the standings are now final. Liverpool, Barcelona, Arsenal,

Instead of going straight into the traditional round of 16, the competition will feature a knockout phase play-off. In this stage, the teams that finished ninth to 16th in the group phase will face off against those that placed 17th to 24th, with each tie played over two legs.

The UEFA Champions League is very different from here on out, as 36 teams play eight games — four home and four away — in bids to reach the knockout rounds. The schedule is longer, the table bigger, and we've now reached the finale,

Manchester City snuck their way into the UEFA Champions League knockout rounds on Wednesday, avoiding elimination on a dramatic final day of the competition's first-ever league phase. Pep Guardiola's side entered halftime with a 1-0 deficit to Club Brugge but three goals after halftime ensured they would clinch a spot in the top 24 and participate in the knockout round playoffs with a 3-1 win.

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.

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.

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.

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.

United States men's national team striker Ricardo Pepi continues his scoring tear with a goal against Liverpool in the Champions League to give PSV the win. Savinho has given Manchester City life in the Champions League. His goal gives Man City a two-goal cushion over Brugge.

The UEFA Champions League league phase concludes on Wednesday, Jan. 29 with all 36 clubs playing at the same time.