The first ever Champions League league phase is in the books. After eight league games instead of six group-stage matches round-robin style, the top eight teams have been confirmed, teams placed No. 9 through 24 will enter the playoff stage and teams No. 25 through 36 are eliminated.

The league phase has already been beneficial to plenty. Leaders Liverpool are almost assured of finishing at the summit, bringing in at least €9.9m in a ranking bonus, as well as their seven wins being worth an additional €14.7m. Not to be sneezed at when there is also the €18.6m equal share they have been allotted.