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.

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.

ROTTERDAM, Netherlands — Flying in the Bundesliga, Bayern Munich is stuttering in the Champions League. The Bavarian powerhouse lost 3-0 at Feyenoord on Wednesday for its third defeat of the campaign, denting its hopes of reaching the round of 16 without having to contest a playoff.

Bayern Munich are guaranteed a place in the playoffs for the Champions League's last 16 regardless of Wednesday's result against Slovan Bratislava, but coach Vincent Kompany is still hopeful his side can somehow navigate a top-eight finish.

Bayern coach Vincent Kompany says "anything is possible" despite his team only holding a slim chance of finishing in the Champions League top eight ahead of their last league match against Slovan Bratislava at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday.

Bayern Munich is crunching the numbers to see under what scenarios it can achieve a “top eight finish” in the Champions League: Although very complicated, Bayern did not give up on finishing in the top 8 in order to avoid the playoffs.