Manchester City avoided a catastrophic early exit from the Champions League and defeated Club Brugge to advance to the playoff round of the competition.

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

A fire broke out at a merchandise stand outside Manchester City’s stadium shortly before players were due to arrive for the Champions League match against Brugge.

England winger Chloe Kelly wants a move away from Manchester City as she seeks to play her way into Sarina Wiegman's England squad for the women's European Championship in July.

With both Ruben Dias and Nathan Ake still sidelined with injury, and John Stones lacking in the necessary match fitness to last 90 minutes of football at present, the decision was taken to entrust Khusanov with a high-profile clash against Enzo Maresca’s side.

Manchester beat Club Brugge to advance to the playoffs of the Champions League 2024-25 while Liverpool and Barcelona were the only teams already guaranteed a place in the top eight and automatic progress to the round of 16 as they stayed first and second.

Erling Haaland scored and set up Phil Foden for another as Manchester City came back to beat Chelsea 3-1 at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, sweeping the Londoners and moving into the top four.

How do you follow all 18 games on 'Matchday Mayhem'? Come up with a running order and watch a bit of every game, of course

Manchester United are in tentative talks with Barcelona over a loan move for 27-year-old forward Marcus Rashford, but there are doubts over whether the Spanish club will be able to complete the deal before Monday's deadline. (Telegraph - subscription required)

Arsenal are expected to make an improved second attempt to sign 29-year-old Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins, who grew up as an Arsenal fan. (Mail) Jhon Duran is expected to undergo a medical in London on Thursday, ahead of the 21-year-old's proposed 77m euro (£64m) plus add-ons move from Aston Villa to Al Nassr. (Athletic - subscription required)