The league phase of the new Champions League format ended on a high on Wednesday night with pulsating action across 18 different venues.

All the games kicked off simultaneously in line with UEFA regulations, with the table changing with every goal scored.

In the end, there were no massive casualties as Manchester City managed to come through unscathed despite a first-half scare by Club Brugge.

Liverpool, Barcelona, Arsenal, Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, Lille and Aston Villa have qualified directly for the Round of 16 while the next 16 teams will have to face off in a double-legged tie to determine who joins the aforementioned eight.

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Atalanta, B. Dortmund, Real Madrid, Bayern München, Milan, PSV, Paris, Benfica, Monaco, Brest, Feyenoord, Juventus, Celtic, Man City, Sporting CP, Club Brugge will do battle in the knockout stages next month.

Manchester City might have survived elimination but they have set up a tasty tie in the knockout stages. Pep Guardiola's side will play either Real Madrid or Bayern Munich.

"We suffered a lot, but in the end, we were able to qualify. The draw is the draw. We’ll see. Playing against Bayern or Real Madrid will be very difficult. But that’s in two weeks, and by then, we’ll have some players back and our new signings available. We hope to play two good games,” he said as captured by Managing Madrid.

If they beat one of those heavyweights, they will face one of Atletico Madrid or Bayer Leverkusen in the Round of 16.

The Premier League contenders have escaped the stress of playing another round and will have to wait for the knockout stages to know their opponents.

Liverpool, whose 100% record was blemished by PSV, will face one of Paris Saint Germain, Benfica, AS Monaco or Brest. The other important thing to note about Liverpool is they cannot face Barcelona in this season's Champions League unless it is the final.

Arsenal meanwhile will wait on one of AC Milan, PSV Eindhoven, Feyenoord or Juventus.

The other English side Aston Villa will play one of Borussia Dortmund, Atalanta, Club Brugge or Sporting Lisbon in the Round of 16.

Staying with Aston Villa, has reported that they have rejected a bid from Arsenal for Ollie Watkins.

The Gunners are in desperate need of a striker and are said to have made a huge bid for the 29-year-old international who has three years left on his deal.

Source: TUKO.co.ke