UCL table: Liverpool top, Barca 2nd, Real Madrid & Man City into play-offs

UCL group stage table: Liverpool top, Barcelona 2nd, Real Madrid & City into play-offs

Those finishing in the top eight automatically progress to the last 16, where they will be seeded.

They will await the winners of eight two-legged knockout play-off ties featuring the clubs ranked from ninth to 24th.

Those finishing between ninth and 16th will be seeded and face a team placed 17th to 24th, with the advantage of playing the second leg at home.

The clubs 25th or lower are eliminated and do not gain entry to the Europa League.

The play-off ties take place in mid-February, with the last-16 matches in the first two weeks of March.

The draw for the play-off round is on Friday at 11:00 GMT.

Permutations for top eight

LIVERPOOL AND BARCELONA: Will play one of Brest, Monaco, PSG or Benfica.

ARSENAL AND INTER: Will play one of AC Milan, PSV, Feyenoord or Juventus.

ATLETICO MADRID AND BAYER LEVERKUSEN: Will play one of Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Manchester City or Celtic.

LILLE AND ASTON VILLA: Will play one of Atalanta, Borussia Dortmund, Sporting Lisbon or Club Brugge.

Manchester City will not be seeded for the play-offs and will face either Real Madrid or Bayern Munich in a mouthwatering tie.

The draw confirming the play-off fixtures will take place this Friday ahead of the next phase of the competition.