The group stage at the UEFA Champions League officially came to a close on Wednesday and the standings are now final. Liverpool, Barcelona, Arsenal,

The Champions League league phase wrapped up Wednesday, Jan. 29 as fans enjoyed 18 games kicking off simultaneously across Europe.

The UEFA Champions League's first-ever league phase is over, and the knockout stage outlook is now much clearer. Manchester City avoided disaster, Liverpool topped the league-phase table, and we will get Manchester City against either Real Madrid or Bayern Munich in the playoffs.

When Lille lost its opening Champions League match in September, only a few bold gamblers would have bet on the Ligue 1 side to qualify for the last 16 of European club soccer's elite tournament. But the northern France side defied all the odds and concluded the league phase campaign of the competition with a 6-1 thrashing of Feyenoord on Wednesday.

But the northern France side defied all the odds and concluded the league phase campaign of the competition with a 6-1 thrashing of Feyenoord on Wednesday. It was the first time Lille scored more than three goals in the Champions League.

Liverpool is the favorite to win the Champions League, with Real Madrid and Arsenal just behind them. Check out the latest odds here.

Another absorbing "Battle of Britain" is in store today in the UEFA Champions League, between Aston Villa of the English Premier League and Scottish champions Celtic. Both sides need a win to boost their hopes of automatic qualification for the last 16.

Aston Villa look a "very tired team" from their Champions League exploits so far, but it is still "worth it" says fan and host of Married to Claret and Blue podcast Rupert Pybus. Unai Emery's side have the opportunity to qualify for the Champions League top eight when they host Celtic on Wednesday night.

Celtic will complete the league phase of their UEFA Champions League campaign tonight (Wednesday) when they take on Aston Villa in Birmingham. The Hoops have already qualified for the knockout