The Champions League’s inaugural league phase has drawn to a close following a thrilling matchday eight in Europe.
It was an action-packed final round of fixtures in the league phase with goals galore across the Champions League.
The top eight teams automatically qualify for the Round of 16 and there were six places up for grabs heading into the round. Liverpool – already confirmed qualifiers – sealed top spot despite defeat at PSV Eindhoven, due to Barcelona’s draw with Atalanta.
Arsenal join their Premier League rivals as Round of 16 entrants after a 2-1 win at Girona. Aston Villa are also through automatically after an enthralling 4-2 win over Celtic at Villa Park. Unai Emery’s side leapfrogged Atalanta to claim a place in the top eight.
Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen and Lille are also all through.
Teams qualified for the Champions League Round of 16Â
- Liverpool
- Barcelona
- Arsenal
- Inter Milan
- Atletico Madrid
- Bayer Leverkusen
- Lille
- Aston Villa
Who else is through?
The teams ranked ninth to 24th will enter a two-legged playoff round, with the winners progressing to take on the top eight from the league phase in the Round of 16.
Manchester City made it into the playoffs after beating Club Brugge 3-1 in a must-win showdown at the Etihad. Celtic are also in the playoffs despite defeat at Aston Villa. The Scottish champions will play knockout stage football in this competition for the first time since 2012/13.
- Atalanta
- Borussia Dortmund
- Real Madrid
- Bayern Munich
- AC Milan
- PSV Eindhoven
- Paris Saint-Germain
- Benfica
- AS Monaco
- Brest
- Feyenoord
- Juventus
- Celtic
- Manchester City
- Sporting Lisbon
- Club Brugge
Read –Â A brilliant XI of the Premier League’s best ever January signings
See more –Â Dream? Realistic? Wildcard? Who could replace Liverpool’s out-of-contract stars?
