Thu Jan 30 05:07:05 IST 2025: ## Real Madrid, PSG, and Man City Avoid Champions League Upsets; Knockout Stage Set

**London, January 29, 2025** – Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, and Manchester City secured their places in the Champions League knockout stages, avoiding potential upsets in the final group matches. Holders Real Madrid comfortably defeated Stade Brest 3-0, with goals from Rodrygo (26th and 78th minutes) and Jude Bellingham (56th minute), ensuring their seeded status for Friday’s draw. Despite the loss, Brest surprisingly qualified for the playoffs as an unseeded team.

Manchester City endured a more dramatic journey, overcoming a 1-0 halftime deficit to beat Club Brugge 3-1. Substitute Savinho sparked the comeback, securing City’s place in the next round despite a late finish in 22nd place overall.

PSG also advanced, winning 4-1 against Stuttgart, following their impressive comeback win against City the previous week. Their 15th-place finish sets them up for a potential clash with Liverpool or Barcelona in the round of 16, provided they overcome their playoff opponent (Monaco or Brest).

However, Bayern Munich’s hopes of a straightforward path to the last 16 were dashed. Despite a 3-1 victory against Slovan Bratislava, they finished 10th, meaning they could face either Real Madrid or Man City in the knockout playoff rounds.

Other notable results saw Inter Milan, Arsenal, and Atletico Madrid comfortably securing top-eight finishes and direct passage to the round of 16, along with Liverpool and Barcelona. Bayer Leverkusen, Lille, and Aston Villa also joined the top eight, while Stuttgart and Dinamo Zagreb were eliminated. Club Brugge squeezed into the 24th qualifying spot on goal difference ahead of Dinamo. The Champions League group stage is now concluded, setting the stage for exciting knockout fixtures.

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