The UEFA Champions League's first-ever league phase came to a dramatic close on Wednesday, setting up for an equally entertaining knockout stage that begins in two weeks' time. The introduction of the new format means the Champions League will introduce a new phase of competition in February when 16 teams will take part in the knockout round playoffs.

Real Madrid hope to avoid Manchester City in the next round, manager Carlo Ancelotti said after they beat Brest 3-0 on Wednesday to reach the Champions League playoff where they will be seeded.

There is going to be a blockbuster Champions League knockout playoff round tie between Manchester City and Bayern Munich or Real Madrid. Here's why.

A big Real Madrid star other than Vinicius Jr. this week received what the Spanish media called a "superoffer" from Saudi Arabia.

Carlo Ancelotti said Vinicius Junior is focused on "choosing glory" with Real Madrid over pursuing a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, ahead of Madrid's crunch Champions League tie with Brest.

Real Madrid face Brest on Wednesday in their league phase fixture, and despite a poor campaign until now, they can still finish inside the top 8, which would mean that they progress automatically to