The Champions League has introduced a new round of play-offs, where 16 teams compete for eight spots in the knockout stages. This phase features clubs ranked ninth to 24th from the league phase, with two legs determining who progresses. Amid controversy over the competition's expansion benefiting elite teams, clubs like PSG and Juventus are gearing up. Major matchups include PSG versus Brest and Manchester City's challenging fixture against Real Madrid, setting the stage for an exciting start to this new competition format.
We're not exactly sure where we stand with this new round of Champions League action. Are we calling them the 'play-offs'? Is this the start of the knockout stages?
The play-offs begin with an all-French affair from Guingamp as one of the competition's pleasant surprises, Brest, face perennial Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain.
The blockbuster tie of the round is doubtlessly Manchester City vs Real Madrid, with City's measly 22nd place finish setting up the toughest of tests at this early juncture.
PSG required back-to-back wins at the league phase's conclusion to advance, but Luis Enrique's side are one of the hottest on the continent right now.
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