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

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.

The UEFA Champions League is very different from here on out, as 36 teams play eight games — four home and four away — in bids to reach the knockout rounds. The schedule is longer, the table bigger, and we've now reached the finale,

The UEFA Champions League's first-ever league phase will come to a dramatic close on Wednesday, when all 18 games will kick off at once with several spots in the knockout stages up for grabs. All but nine teams are still in the running to qualify for the next rounds,

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.

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 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.

The UEFA Champions League group stage, in the first year of a new format, concludes Wednesday. Here's what to know, including how to watch.

The Champions League league phase wrapped up Wednesday, Jan. 29 as fans enjoyed 18 games kicking off simultaneously across Europe. The field of knockout stage teams was confirmed with 24 teams moving on to the next phase of competition.

Following is the final table for league phase of the Champions League competition for the 2024-25 season: Top eight sides in the league phase qualify automatically for the round of 16.