It's a kinder format that leaves plenty to be decided on the final day. Smaller clubs will unquestionably advance to the direct elimination stages of the competition, where the stakes and pressure are higher. Upsets in the playoff round are likely to happen, with plenty of Davids getting a chance to dispatch any struggling Goliaths.

Follow text coverage and listen to live match commentary of Celtic's Champions League encounter with Club Brugge.

The UEFA Europa League enters the second half of the league phase on Thursday, as the 36 teams have more pressure over the next two months. There is much on the line for all involved, so they can ill afford a slip-up.

Malik Tillman scored a brace to bring PSV level, becoming the first U.S. player to score twice in a Champions League match. In the fifth minute of stoppage time, Ricardo Pepi scored the winner, sending the crowd at Phillips Stadium into a frenzy.