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.

LONDON — 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

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

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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.

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

With the January transfer window open, Paris Saint-Germain has an opportunity to offload players who no longer fit into their plans—and Marco Asensio appears to be one of them.Since November 30,

On a dramatic night in which only two of the closing 18 matches were dead rubbers, Man City got the win it needed to avoid an embarrassing exit.

How do you follow all 18 games on 'Matchday Mayhem'? Come up with a running order and watch a bit of every one in turn, of course

Lucas Paqueta thrived up front against Aston Villa but Graham Potter would presumably like to deploy the Brazilian in his best position, which is in midfield. Sky Sports reporter Mark McAdam has revealed that Bayer Leverkusen are “leading the chase” to sign Evan Ferguson.