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

The Champions League league phase wrapped up Wednesday, Jan. 29 as fans enjoyed 18 games kicking off simultaneously across Europe.

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.

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

GUINGAMP, France (Reuters) -Holders Real Madrid made sure they would be seeded for Friday's Champions League playoff draw by beating Stade Brest 3-0 away in the last round of the first phase on Wednesday.

Two sides with an outside chance of automatic qualification face off at the Stade de Roudourou today as surprise package Brest host defending champions Real Madrid. Madrid are currently in 16th in the standings and will need a win today along with favours elsewhere if they are to avoid playing an extra two-legged tie in the knockout phase play-offs.

Another absorbing "Battle of Britain" is in store today in the UEFA Champions League, between Aston Villa of the English Premier League and Scottish champions Celtic. Both sides need a win to boost their hopes of automatic qualification for the last 16.

Celtic will complete the league phase of their UEFA Champions League campaign tonight (Wednesday) when they take on Aston Villa in Birmingham. The Hoops have already qualified for the knockout

Manchester City's Champions League hopes almost went up in smoke against Club Brugge - but a big improvement is needed to make the last 16, says BBC Sport chief football writer Phil McNulty.

Pep Guardiola has said he doesn't think Manchester City can win the Champions League this season after they scraped into the play-off round to book a tie against either Real Madrid or Bayern Munich.

It is not a problem., but an opportunity' - Pep Guardiola tempers pressure ahead of must-win Champions League clash