One of the reasons behind the introduction of this new-look Champions League format was to give lesser teams the chance to experience knockout

According to 67 Hail Hail, Sarpsborg have rejected the initial approach from Celtic for Sondre Ørjasæter. It is understood that the Hoops went in with a bid of around €5.25million which equates to around £4.4million.

British clubs Manchester City and Celtic have the same two possible opponents in the UEFA Champions League knockout phase play-offs after finishing 22nd and 21st. The Scottish giants and the Premier League champions will face either face 15-time winners Real Madrid or German icons Bayern Munich after they finished 11th and 12th.

Bayern at least ensured they will be seeded in Friday's draw after beating Slovan Bratislava 3-1 on Wednesday, but their reward will be either City or Celtic

American soccer fans can stream every fixture of this season's tournament via Paramount Plus, which has exclusive live English-language broadcast rights in the US for the UEFA Champions League. Paramount Plus has two main subscription plans in the US: Essential for $8 a month and Premium for $13 a month. Both offer coverage of the Champions League.

Bayern Munich beat Slovan Bratislava 3-1 in Matchday 8 of the Champions League yesterday, securing a place in the playoffs. The German side finished 12th in the

How do you follow all 18 games on 'Matchday Mayhem'? Come up with a running order and watch a bit of every one in turn, of course

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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.

Real Madrid will be drawn against either the Scottish champions or the English champions in the playoffs with either Celtic or City facing Bayern Munich. From the Round of 16 onwards, the draw is pre-determined all the way to the final, allowing teams to map out who they will face with greater clarity.

Celtic fans could be banned from attending their blockbuster Champions League tie against European giants Real Madrid or Bayern Munich after letting off fireworks during the defeat at Aston Villa on Wednesday.