Real Madrid managed a 3-0 win against Brest as Rodrygo scored twice (27', 78') and Jude Bellingham found the back of the net (56'). They reached the UEFA Champi

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Listen to Sportsound and follow live text updates of Celtic's final league phase fixture in the Champions League against Aston Villa.

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.

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

With the Champions League's revamped 'league' stage over, attention turns to the play-off round, which takes place in two weeks

Meanwhile, the teams that finished outside the automatic qualification spots have now confirmed their places in the knockout phase play-offs.