It's been a journey into the unknown, but the new-look Champions League is finally reaching the climax of the league phase. Here's what's needed to go through.

Much has changed in this season's Champions League, the knockout play-off phase being one major new introduction

THE expanded Champions League has delighted and confused fans in equal abundance this season. More teams and more matches – plus a league table to contend with – have left many fans

Arsenal sit fifth in the Champions League table heading into tonight’s action, having won four of their opening six games. They drew with Europa League holders Atalanta and lost to Inter Milan but have otherwise impressed, with the 5-1 win away at Sporting CP surely their standout performance.

A year of unprecedented pressures on the global football calendar begins with a Champions League first, as two rounds of matches in Europe's elite club competition take place in January and some of the continent's biggest names face a scrap to avoid a humiliating exit.

Pep Guardiola’s side would have been among the favourites to win the competition outright before a ball was kicked this season but are sat 24th in the Champions League table heading into tonight’s huge clash at Paris Saint-Germain.

Here's what you need to know about the draw for the Champions League knockout phase play-offs: The draw takes place on Friday, January 31 at the House of European Football in Nyon, Switzerland.

While Liverpool narrowly missed clinching top spot with a game to spare in the Champions League despite a 2-1 defeat of French side Lille on Tuesday, manager Arne Slot said finishing in the top eight and avoiding two playoff games was the most important thing.