The first ever Champions League league phase is in the books. After eight league games instead of six group-stage matches round-robin style, the top eight teams have been confirmed, teams placed No. 9 through 24 will enter the playoff stage and teams No. 25 through 36 were eliminated.

The UEFA Champions League on Friday conducted the draw for the knockout stage, setting up the bracket for European soccer's biggest annual tournament. At the confederation's headquarters in Switzerland,

Premier League power Manchester City will meet La Liga leader Real Madrid in the knockout phase of the 2024-25 Champions League soccer tournament, organizers revealed with a draw Friday in Nyon, Switzerland.

Real Madrid will play Manchester City in the Champions League knockout playoffs round in a standout clash of the past two title winners after the draw was made Friday.

Real Madrid confirmed a huge injury blow which will severly affect head coach Carlo Ancelotti’s plans for this month’s Champions League clash with Manchester City.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has admitted their clash with Real Madrid in the Champions League will be “extremely difficult.” The two European heavyweights have been paired together in the knockout play-offs on Friday.

Joseph Guardiola believes that the clashes between Manchester City and Real Madrid are almost like a derby. Both teams are meeting for the fourth consecutive Champions League season, this time in a playoff for advancement to the round of 16.