Man City, Madrid, Bayern settle for play-off spot

The revamped UEFA Champions League delivered a dramatic finale to its league phase on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, with 18 simultaneous matches deciding the fate of teams across Europe.

The night was packed with tension, big results, and last-minute twists as clubs battled for direct qualification to the Round of 16, spots in the play-offs, or faced elimination.

Barcelona showcased their resurgence with a draw against Atalanta, cementing a second-place finish on the standings behind Liverpool, who lost to PSV, and securing a direct route to the Round of 16. Despite the draw, Atalanta remained in contention for the play-offs.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid brushed aside Brest with a commanding performance, ensuring they qualify for the play-offs.

In an all-action encounter, Aston Villa came out on top against Celtic, winning 4-2 to finish 8 on the log. Both teams had already guaranteed progression, but Villa’s win earned them a direct knockout berth, while Celtic braced for the play-offs.

Paris Saint-Germain continued their fine form with a crucial win over Stuttgart, solidifying their spot in the Round of 16. Stuttgart, however, faced the prospect of a tougher road through the play-offs following the defeat.

Bayern Munich cruised to a comfortable victory against Slovan Bratislava. For Bratislava, this marked the end of their Champions League journey.

The spotlight was on Manchester City as they battled Club Brugge, knowing only a win would keep their hopes alive. City delivered under pressure, avoiding an early exit and giving themselves a shot at the playoffs. Club Brugge’s campaign, however, seemed all but over after this defeat.

As the dust settled, the top eight teams secured direct passage to the Round of 16, while those in 9th to 24th positions prepared for play-offs.

For the rest, it was the end of the road. Europe’s premier club competition now heads into the knockout stages, promising even more excitement as the remaining teams vie for glory.