European giants await Friday’s UEFA Champions League draw

January 29 – The UEFA Champions League eight-match league phase concluded last night, splitting those already into the Round of 16 and those required to jump an additional hurdle via the knock-out play-offs.

Eight clubs – Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Barcelona, Chelsea, Sporting Clube de Portugal and Manchester City – have secured direct qualification after each winning their final round fixtures.

The remaining 16 sides, finishing between ninth and 24th,