The first ever Champions League league phase is in the books. After eight league games instead of six group-stage matches round-robin style, the top eight teams have been confirmed, teams placed No. 9 through 24 will enter the playoff stage and teams No. 25 through 36 were eliminated.

Arsenal, Liverpool and Aston Villa have both secured their places in the Champions League last 16 knockout stage following Wednesday night's final group matches while Manchester City have made it through to the play-offs after beating Club Brugge.

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.

Of course it would be not good, but I am not thinking about that right now,” Guardiola told a news conference Tuesday. “I appreciate all of your concern... but I'm thinking we are going to do it.” With one game remaining in the revamped league phase of the competition,