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.

Here's the state of play after the conclusion of the first stage of the Champions League: Teams qualified automatically to the round of 16 Liverpool, Barcelona, Arsenal, Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid,

Atletico Madrid went third in the Champions League table with a 2-1 comeback victory over Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday.

Manchester City flirted with a disastrous exit from the Champions League before rallying to beat Club Brugge 3-1 in a must-win game.

AC Milan dropped out of the top eight with a 2-1 loss at Dinamo Zagreb as Yunus Musah's 39th-minute sending-off proved crucial.

Following is a list of possible Champions League playoff and last 16 opponents ahead of Friday's draw: POSSIBLE PLAYOFF AND LAST 16 OPPONENTS: AS Monaco or Brest will face Paris St Germain or Benfica in the playoffs.

Journalist Ben Jacobs highlighted PSG’s interest in the Colombian striker, but also pointed to a key hurdle: Aston Villa’s £80 million asking price. This valuation comes after Durán’s strong performances and his recent contract extension.

Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly showing interest in Aston Villa forward Jhon Durán as they look to strengthen their attack with a long-term investment.Journalist Ben Jacobs noted that PSG are

Bayern Munich is building for the future by snapping up goalkeeper Jonas Urbig from Cologne. The Bavarian powerhouse announced the transfer late Monday.

Here's the state of play after the conclusion of the first stage of the Champions League: Liverpool, Barcelona, Arsenal, Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, Lille, Aston Villa. Monaco or Brest vs. Paris Saint-Germain or Benfica (for the right to play Liverpool or Barcelona)

When the 18 games kick off at the same time, 9 p.m. Central European Time (2000 GMT), to complete the inaugural league-phase format, Man City is outside the top-24 places that advance to the knockout stage and 22nd-place PSG risks dropping out.

Manchester City came from behind against Club Brugge to reach the Champions League knockout phase, where they were safely joined by Paris Saint-Germain as Arsenal qualified directly for the last