The UEFA Champions League's first-ever league phase is over, and now, with the draw complete, the knockout stage outlook is now much clearer. Manchester City avoided disaster, Liverpool topped the league-phase table,

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.

It’s become a familiar sight in elite European soccer: Real Madrid vs. Manchester City. The Champions League's most engrossing rivalry in recent years will resume in a two-legged playoff next month to reach the round of 16.