Clubs must navigate knockout play-off matches before they reach the last 16 where the likes of Arsenal, Aston Villa and Liverpool await

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.

Bayern at least ensured they will be seeded in Friday's draw after beating Slovan Bratislava 3-1 on Wednesday, but their reward will be either City or Celtic

Celtic will face either Real Madrid or Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League Play Offs. After a night of permutations in Europe’s top competition, Celtic were beaten by Aston Villa in an enthralling game at Villa Park.

The Champions League holders will face either Celtic or City in the two-legged play-off in February. Read more at straitstimes.com.

Real Madrid hope to avoid Manchester City in the next round, manager Carlo Ancelotti said after they beat Brest 3-0 on Wednesday to reach the Champions League playoff where they will be seeded.The holders will face either Celtic or Manchester City in the two-legged playoff on February,

The holders will face either Celtic or Manchester City in the two-legged playoff on February, with the second leg at home.

It looks like Celtic winger Luis Palma is close to completing an exit before the winter transfer window closes.

In knockout phase play-offs: Atalanta, Borussia Dortmund, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, AC Milan, PSV, Paris St-Germain, Benfica, Monaco, Brest, Feyenoord, Juventus, Celtic, Manchester City, Sporting, Club Brugge.

Manchester City came back from a goal down at halftime to beat Club Brugge 3-1 and secure their place in the UEFA Champions League playoff round.

When is the Champions League play-off draw? How does it work? What about the last-16 ties? And how to watch in the UK on TNT Sports and discovery+?

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