Real Madrid is celebrating its return to good form despite placing low in the Champions League and failing to avoid a possible playoff against Manchester City. Madrid's slow start in the European competition kept the defending champion from going straight into the round of 16 — and possibly set up an encounter with Man City in the playoffs.

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.

Real Madrid missed out on a direct qualification spot for the Champions League last 16 and could face Manchester City in the playoffs. Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham, however, is confident of successfully tackling whatever ‘obstacle’ comes in the next round.