Manchester City scored three second half goals to come back from the brink of elimination and advance to the UEFA Champions League’s inaugural knockout round playoffs following a thrilling 3-1 victory over Club Brugge on Wednesday night.

The UEFA Champions League's first-ever league phase is over, and the knockout stage outlook is now much clearer. Manchester City avoided disaster, Liverpool topped the league-phase table, and we will get Manchester City against either Real Madrid or Bayern Munich in the playoffs.

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.

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti said his team doesn't like to play Manchester City after it set up a potential Champions League date with the Premier League giant

Firefighters extinguished the blaze, but the smell of smoke remained in the air for some time afterward as supporters waited to be let inside.

With both Ruben Dias and Nathan Ake still sidelined with injury, and John Stones lacking in the necessary match fitness to last 90 minutes of football at present, the decision was taken to entrust Khusanov with a high-profile clash against Enzo Maresca’s side.

Rodrygo added to his scoring streak with Real Madrid on Wednesday but the Spanish powerhouse didn't get all the goals it needed to finish high enough in the league phase of the Champions League and avoid a possible encounter with Manchester City in the playoffs.

Erling Haaland scored and set up Phil Foden for another as Manchester City came back to beat Chelsea 3-1 at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, sweeping the Londoners and moving into the top four.

Amorim's United feels like a pencil sketch of a grander planned work - there are signs of progress but huge improvements are needed

Real Madrid hope to avoid Manchester City in the next round, manager Carlo Ancelotti said after they beat Brest 3-0 on Wednesday to reach the Champions League playoff where they will be seeded.

His side live to fight another day, but Pep Guardiola is in no doubt that whatever Friday's Champions League draw holds for Manchester City, his side will be underdogs. Winning the competition entirely?