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.

Bayern Munich take on Slovan Bratislava on Wednesday, Jan. 29, at the Allianz Arena. Kickoff is set for a 9 p.m. CET local time start in Germany, making it an 8 p.m. GMT kickoff in the UK. It's a 3 p.m. ET or 12 p.m. PT start in the US and Canada, and a 7 a.m. AEDT kickoff in Australia on Thursday morning.

The UEFA Champions League's first-ever league phase is over, and the knockout stage outlook is now much clearer. Manchester City avoided disaster, Liverpool topped the league-phase table, and we will get Manchester City against either Real Madrid or Bayern Munich in the playoffs.

Manchester City face an intriguing Champions League last 16 play-off tie against either title holders Real Madrid or five-time winners Bayern Munich. That is already known because all 24 teams that have advanced from the league phase are placed in a tennis-like bracket for the first time - showing a team's potential path towards the May 31 final in Munich.

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.