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 new look Champions League completed its first tournament phase on Wednesday night with the league stage coming to a close. There was a lot of jeopardy on the line for the majority of teams, most notably Manchester City who had to beat Club Brugge to land a place in the knockout stage.

NYON, Switzerland (AP) — Draw made Friday for the knockout playoffs round in the UEFA Champions League: Atalanta (Italy) vs. Club Brugge (Belgium) – winner will play Lille or Aston Villa