But for every top team underperforming, there's an underdog seizing their moment and taking their place. And during this phase, Aston Villa, Lille, Brest, Celtic and Club Brugge certainly rose to the occasion as they all secured unexpected placings in the next round.

There were storylines across all 18 simultaneous kick-offs – not to mention 64 goals in total – but Aston Villa and Lille securing automatic qualification for the round of 16, as well as Manchester City coming from the elimination zone to reach the knockout phase play-offs, were among the headlines. UEFA.com rounds up all the action.

Brest's incredible rise to the Champions League, the Boniface/Duran transfer saga, and the very rare Lasso trading

NYON, Switzerland — Draw made Friday for the knockout playoffs round in the UEFA Champions League: Sporting Lisbon (Portugal) vs. Borussia Dortmund (Germany)

THE Champions League league phase will conclude TONIGHT – with fans treated to a bumper round of action. All 36 clubs will be in action this evening as the race for a spot in the last-16

AS Monaco secured a sedate 1-0 win over Aston Villa in the UEFA Champions League to move to 13 points in the league phase, and very likely ensure that France has at leas

Real Madrid have to play Man City or Celtic in the Champions League play-offs after failing to finish in the top eight despite comfortably beating Brest.

European champions Read Madrid are very close to hitting their best form, manager Carlo Ancelotti said ahead of Wednesday's Champions League clash at French side Brest.

Real Madrid must go through the Champions League play-offs and a tie against either Manchester City or Celtic after failing to finish in the top eight despite comfortably beating Brest .

Feyenoord's win over Bayern Munich has opened the door for Aston Villa to return to the Champions League top eight next week

Ancelotti also praised on France forward Kylian Mbappe, who has scored 21 goals in 31 games across all competitions since moving to Madrid, including three goals and an assist in the Champions League

Follow live text commentary, score updates and match stats from Brest vs Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League