The UEFA Champions League's first-ever league phase is over, and now, with the draw complete, the knockout stage outlook is now much clearer. Manchester City avoided disaster, Liverpool topped the league-phase table,

Draw made Friday for the knockout playoffs round in the UEFA Champions League: Paris Saint-Germain (France) vs. Brest (France) — winner will play Liverpool or Barcelona Benfica (Portugal) vs. Monaco (

Real Madrid will play Manchester City in the Champions League knockout playoffs round in a standout clash of the past two title winners after the draw was made Friday. Man City, the 2023 champion, will host the first leg on Feb.