Barcelona might have felt quite disappointed to have failed to pick up three points against Atalanta, with the game eventually ending 2-2.Despite conceding the two goals, however, Ronald Araujo

Barcelona handled business in the Champions League league phase and secured a bye to the round of 16, with their four potential opponents already revealed. Avoiding the two-legged playoff is a huge plus for Hansi Flick's side.

After a comeback for the ages last week, Barcelona will be hoping for a less strenuous Champions League encounter today as they host Atalanta. Barca have already secured an automatic spot in the last 16 and are the only side capable of finishing top of the table ahead of current leaders Liverpool.

Here's the state of play after the conclusion of the first stage of the Champions League: Liverpool, Barcelona, Arsenal, Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, Lille, Aston Villa. Monaco or Brest vs. Paris Saint-Germain or Benfica (for the right to play Liverpool or Barcelona)

Matchday 8 of the revamped UEFA Champions League group stage lived up to the hype. With 36 different teams playing simultaneously in 18 different games on Wednesday, there was drama galore, headlined by Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain avoiding a humiliating early exit and Liverpool holding onto the spot in the standings despite a loss to PSV.

The UEFA Champions League's first-ever league phase comes to a close on Wednesday, when all 18 games will kick off simultaneously and a dramatic conclusion is in store for a handful of Europe's top teams.