Final Champions League table after thrilling Matchday 8 | OneFootball

The first ever 'league phase' of the new-look Champions League is complete after Matchday 8 of the competition played out across Europe on Wednesday night.

Liverpool kept hold of top spot, despite falling to defeat against PSV Eindhoven. The result takes the sheen off an otherwise flawless league phase for Arne Slot’s side after seven previous wins.

It was a similarly anti-climactic end for Barcelona, whose own draw against Benfica meant they were unable to take advantage of Liverpool dropping points, forced to make do with staying second.

There were Matchday 8 victories for Arsenal and Inter to hold onto third and fourth place respectively, with Atletico Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, Lille and Aston Villa all winning to give themselves a bye straight into the last 16.

Real Madrid and Bayern Munich will have to play two additional games in the knockout round play-offs due to finishing outside the top eight, despite winning on Wednesday night. Celtic are into the knockout stages of Europe’s premier club competition for the first time since 2012/13, while Manchester City avoided early elimination for the first time over that same period.

Top 8 (Automatically qualify for last 16)

9th to 24th (entry into knockout play-off round)

Bottom 12 (eliminated from the Champions League)