Bayer Leverkusen are taking the belief gained from finishing in the top eight of the Champions League standings into the latter stages of their Bundesliga title defence.

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.

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.

Here's the state of play after the conclusion of the first stage of the Champions League: Teams qualified automatically to the round of 16 Liverpool, Barcelona, Arsenal, Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid,

Atletico Madrid went third in the Champions League table with a 2-1 comeback victory over Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday.

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

Following is a list of possible Champions League playoff and last 16 opponents ahead of Friday's draw: POSSIBLE PLAYOFF AND LAST 16 OPPONENTS: AS Monaco or Brest will face Paris St Germain or Benfica in the playoffs.

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

Journalist Ben Jacobs highlighted PSG’s interest in the Colombian striker, but also pointed to a key hurdle: Aston Villa’s £80 million asking price. This valuation comes after Durán’s strong performances and his recent contract extension.

The latest reports, rumors and confirmed news from around the Premier League, as the January transfer window fast approaches Deadline Day.

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,