The Champions League group stage concluded with Manchester City scraping into the knockout stage and facing a tough play-off draw against either Real Madrid or Bayern Munich.
The league phase concluded Jan. 29 with 24 teams moving on to the bracket. The remaining 12 teams were eliminated from the competition with no option of dropping down into the Europa League like in previous years. Their European campaigns are over and they must wait until next season for Champions League nights, if they qualify, that is.The top eight teams there earn a direct bye to the round of 16 while the remaining 16 play a two-leg playoff to advance.
The biggest surprise for most will be Manchester City squeaking in to the knockout stage needing a win against Club Brugge on the final day. Their 22nd place finish means they'll have to play Real Madrid or Bayern Munich in the play-off. An immensely difficult draw for a team that has struggled heavily this season without Rodri.MAX MALLOW
Max Mallow is an editor for Sports Illustrated Soccer. Somehow, he has just enough time every matchday to tweet when an Arsenal player scores a goal.
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE MANCHESTER CITY DRAW PLAY-OFF SURPRISE
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