Friday morning, UEFA conducted the draw for the Champion League's new playoff phase, which essentially adds one more round to the previous format's knockout stage. 16 teams were sorted, with pairings influenced (but not entirely determined) by order of finish in the group stage.

Taking away extra-time periods from the latter stages of the Champions League would follow on from the decision to scrap an additional 30 minutes from the UEFA Super Cup, which was introduced in 2023 and would be the most significant amendment to individual knockout ties since UEFA opted to abolish the away goals rule in 2021.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola faces a selection headache as he will need to omit one of the club's January signing from the Champions League knockout stages ahead of Thursday's deadline.

Manchester City officials will have a dilemma to contend with when it comes to registering new players for their UEFA Champions League knockout stage squad.Pep Guardiola’s squad booked themselves a