When Lille lost its opening Champions League match in September, only a few bold gamblers would have bet on the Ligue 1 side to qualify for the last 16 of European club soccer’s elite tournament.

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.

LONDON — Here's the state of play after the conclusion of the first stage of the Champions League: Liverpool, Barcelona, Arsenal, Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, Lille, Aston Villa

The Sporting Lisbon striker scored again in a loss to Red Bull Leipzig. That’s six goals in seven matches. Whether he’s just in a zone or having a true late-career renaissance, the big Swede’s Champions League goals are sure to get him a big money move in this transfer window from clubs that could use his power and speed.

Follow live text commentary, score updates and match stats from Lille vs Feyenoord in the UEFA Champions League

Feyenoord will be playing their last match in the league phase of the UEFA Champions League against Lille in France without their supporters. The Rotterdammers were notified by the local authorities in France that their supporters will not be welcome at the match.

As the Champions League returns for the first time in 2025, both Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City are desperate for wins in the competition's league phase.

PARIS - Paris Saint-Germain clawed back from two goals down to stun Manchester City 4-2 in the Champions League on Jan 22 and leave the English club outside the playoff places and in danger of elimination.

The Champions League’s new look league phase reaches its conclusion with big names like Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain in danger of early elimination.

Manchester City flirted with a disastrous exit from the Champions League before rallying to beat Club Brugge 3-1 in a must-win game

Paris Saint-Germain pushed Manchester City to the brink ... hopes of automatic qualification took a hit with a 3-0 defeat by Feyenoord. Get any of our free email newsletters — news headlines ...

Here's the state of play after the conclusion of the first stage of the Champions League: Liverpool, Barcelona, Arsenal, Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, Lille, Aston Villa. Monaco or Brest vs. Paris Saint-Germain or Benfica (for the right to play Liverpool or Barcelona)