Bayern Munich beat Slovan Bratislava 3-1 in Matchday 8 of the Champions League yesterday, securing a place in the playoffs. The German side finished 12th in the

The UEFA Champions League's first-ever league phase came to a dramatic close on Wednesday, setting up for an equally entertaining knockout stage that begins in two weeks' time. The introduction of the new format means the Champions League will introduce a new phase of competition in February when 16 teams will take part in the knockout round playoffs.

Harry Kane helps Bayern Munich to beat Slovan Bratislava but victory is only good enough to earn the German club a play-off spot in the Champions League.

Bayern Munich take on Slovan Bratislava on Wednesday, Jan. 29, at the Allianz Arena. Kickoff is set for a 9 p.m. CET local time start in Germany, making it an 8 p.m. GMT kickoff in the UK. It's a 3 p.m. ET or 12 p.m. PT start in the US and Canada, and a 7 a.m. AEDT kickoff in Australia on Thursday morning.

There is going to be a blockbuster Champions League knockout playoff round tie between Manchester City and Bayern Munich or Real Madrid. Here's why.

Follow live text commentary, score updates and match stats from Bayern Munich vs Slovan Bratislava in the UEFA Champions League

Bayern Munich secured a playoffs spot in the Champions League, but probably could have finished higher in the table had they scored more goals than the three they put past Slovan Bratislava, or if they avoided the losses to Aston Villa,