After a thrilling finish to the UEFA Champions League's first-ever league phase, the competition will gear up to hold its inaugural knockout phase playoffs with Friday's draw. The teams that finished from ninth through 24th in the league phase will take part in the knockout phase playoffs,

The Champions League league phase is nearing its conclusion as teams, players and fans all around the world prepare for the next stage of competition. The league phase ends on Jan. 29 with all 36 teams in action on the final day with every game kicking off at 3 p.

The group stage of the UEFA Champions League officially came to a close on Wednesday and the standings are now final. Liverpool, Barcelona, Arsenal,