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Six Premier League sides entered. Five in the top eight. You can't argue with how the English clubs have tackled the Champions League this season. But what's next?

We now know -- roughly at least -- who Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, Manchester City and Newcastle United could face moving forwards.

Ahead of the knockout playoff round draw on Friday, ESPN brings you all you need to know.

Who has qualified, and who's heading to the playoffs?

Eight teams have advanced to the round of 16 already, while 16 more -- who placed ninth to 24th in the 36-club league phase -- are heading to the knockout playoff round.

Arsenal won all eight of their games to qualify top, with Bayern Munich second. On a frantic final night of action, they were joined by Liverpool, Tottenham, Barcelona, Chelsea, Sporting CP and Manchester City.

Newcastle's draw with Paris Saint-Germain left both clubs facing the knockout playoff round, along with European giants Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Juventus.

Atlético Madrid, Atalanta, Bayer Leverkusen are the other 'seeded' teams -- we'll explain more on that below -- while the unseeded playoff teams are Borussia Dortmund, Olympiacos, Club Brugge, Galatasaray, AS Monaco. FK Qarabag, Bodo/Glimt and Benfica.

Why do we know who teams can play?

As mentioned, there is a seeding system -- introduced for 2024-25 -- that ensures the higher-placed teams from the league phase won't face each other in the knockout playoff round, theoretically creating a more balanced bracket.

All 16 teams heading to the playoffs are paired based on their final position in the league phase. That means ninth-place Real Madrid are paired with 10th-place Inter, 11th-place PSG with 12th-place Newcastle, and so on. This creates eight sets of paired teams.

In the draw, each pairing will be split up and placed on opposite sides of the bracket.

On top of that, there are big advantages to the highest finishers from the league phase. Teams who finish in the top eight are guaranteed a second leg at home in the round of 16. Teams who finish in the top four are guaranteed a second leg at home in the round of 16 and the quarterfinals. The advantage extends into the semifinals for the teams that finish in the top two.

Who could Newcastle play in the playoff round?

As PSG and Newcastle finished 11th and 12th in the league phase, they will play either Monaco or Qarabag in the playoff round.

What about the rest of the Premier League teams?

Having clinched top spot, Arsenal will play one of Borussia Dortmund, Olympiacos, Atalanta or Bayer Leverkusen in the round of 16, and like all of the top eight will be at home in the second leg.

Liverpool, after finishing third, will take on either Atlético, Juventus, Club Brugge or Galatasaray. That is exactly the same for Tottenham, who finished fourth in the league phase.

Chelsea will take on either PSG, Newcastle, Monaco or Qarabag.

Manchester City, meanwhile, could face another clash with Real Madrid. Their potential round of 16 opponents are the LaLiga giants, Inter, Bodo/Glimt or Benfica.

When is the draw for the knockout round playoffs?

The draw for the knockout round playoffs -- featuring the clubs that finish ninth to 24th -- will take place on Jan. 30 at 11 a.m. GMT. ESPN will bring you all the updates with a live blog.

After the draw, what happens next?

Next, the teams drawn Friday compete in the two-legged knockout playoff round in February.

Once that round is complete, the draw for the round of 16 will be held Feb. 27. That draw will determine the round-of-16 matchups and finalise the bracket for the remainder of the knockout rounds.

What are the remaining important Champions League dates this season?

Robbie Keane says it is nice to be involved in future Tottenham manager speculation, and while spoke of his affection for the club, said he does not think about the rumours.

The former Spurs striker, who currently manages Hungarian side Ferencvaros, has been the subject of speculation as a candidate should Thomas Frank leave the north London club.

Asked whether he was aware of the reports linking him with a return to the club where he made over 300 appearances, Keane replied: "I think it's impossible to not be aware of anything these days, to be honest with you, especially, when you have two kids who are Tottenham fans.

"Thomas Frank is a very, very good manager. He just started there. As I said, lot of stuff gets written, even when I was a player, going somewhere, going different places.

"But I'll be honest with you, it goes over my head. I concentrate on what I'm doing. I think it's nice that your name is there. Who puts it there? I have no clue, but it shows you that I'm doing OK to be even put there.

"I'm obviously aware of it, but I am happy here."

The 45-year-old spent two spells at Spurs during an esteemed playing career, scoring 122 goals and helping the Premier League side to the League Cup in 2007.

Asked whether the club still meant a lot to him, he replied: "Absolutely, you can't be at a club that long if it doesn't.

"I mean, that's natural. It's a fantastic club. Unbelievable training and the stadium is amazing, of course -- as we all know -- and really good players.

"Yes, they've got a lot of injuries but it's certainly a place that always look out for, as I said, my two boys, they're Tottenham fans and are always watching and, of course, like me, I watch every game regardless of it being Tottenham or anyone.

"So it's a wonderful football club. And I'm sure there's no doubt that they'll get back to where they belong."

Keane is back in England with the Hungarian club as they close their Europa League group phase with a clash against Nottingham Forest.

He is doing an impressive job in a relatively minor European league but he believes it is a path he had to take.

"Sometimes you have to spread your wings somewhere else and that's what I've done, that was the path I wanted to take, because I wanted to go somewhere where I could win and stamp my authority on the way I want to play," he added.

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"If I start my journey for example here in England after six games, an inexperienced coach gets sacked, where do you go from there?

"So it's a little bit similar to what I did as a player. I chose Wolves over Liverpool because I wanted to play.

"I'm really enjoying it here.

"Of course, you never say never. I think if you're a player or a coach, you have aspirations to be the best that you can be and be at the highest you can be. That's normal.

"I've got no complaints and I don't worry about thinking about where I'm going next, because I'll take my eye off the ball here."

Frankfurt vs. Spurs (28 Jan, 2026) Live Score  ESPN

Randal Kolo Muani put an eventful couple of days behind him with a goal to send Tottenham through to the Champions League last-16 with a 2-0 win at Eintracht Frankfurt.

Kolo Muani was an unused substitute during Spurs' disappointing 2-2 draw at Burnley on Saturday amid speculation former club Juventus wanted to bring the France forward back this month, before he was involved in a car crash on Tuesday.

The PSG loanee was fine and despite a late arrival in Germany, he grabbed the crucial 47th-minute opener against his old team before Dominic Solanke added a second to ease the pressure on under-fire boss Thomas Frank, with Tottenham remarkably able to finish fourth in the league phase of the competition.

Spurs were without 14 players for this tie in Germany, which was untimely for Frank after he faced more criticism from his own supporters on Saturday after the draw with Burnley made it two wins from 14 in the Premier League.

Kolo Muani got the nod against his old club and despite being heavily booed, his first involvement nearly produced the opener.

After getting in down the left, his cross was spilled by Kauã Santos and Xavi Simons fired home, but away celebrations were cut short with Destiny Udogie adjudged to have committed a foul in the build-up.

Tottenham regrouped but not long after João Palhinha had seen a header tipped wide, results elsewhere meant the Premier League club had dropped to ninth in the league phase.

A flurry of chances followed with Udogie inexplicably unable to get a touch on a Kolo Muani cross with the goal at his mercy before a smart turn and shot by Wilson Odobert from 20 yards smashed against the inside of a post.

Simons should have scored on the half-hour mark too when he stole in after a poor pass by Santos, but the Frankfurt goalkeeper made amends with a vital save.

Frankfurt issued a warning sign on the stroke of half-time when Hugo Larsson fired over via the crossbar after beating Tottenham's offside trap.

It ensured it stayed 0-0 at half-time, but the opener arrived just 66 seconds into the second half.

A set-piece did the trick with a short free kick routine able to create space for Simons, who chipped in for Cristian Romero and his header found Kolo Muani to bundle home from close range.

It was only Kolo Muani's third goal for Tottenham in 24 appearances.

A poor touch by Frankfurt's Aurelio Buta squandered a good opening for the hosts shortly afterwards before Kolo Muani sent his latest effort wide.

Santos was called into action by Pape Sarr's curler before Frank turned to his bench, with Solanke introduced for the bright Odobert in the 73rd minute.

Four minutes later and Solanke secured Spurs' place in the last-16 with the striker able to run through and drill the ball into the bottom corner to earn a fifth victory in the competition and secure fourth spot.

Arne Slot has said he expects defender Andrew Robertson to stay at Liverpool for the rest of the season despite interest from Tottenham Hotspur.

Sources told ESPN Liverpool held preliminary talks with Tottenham last week over a potential deal for Robertson, who is out of contract in the summer. The left-back is understood to want more game time ahead of this summer's World Cup, though the deal is now unlikely to proceed unless Liverpool find a suitable replacement.

"Robbo is part of the team tomorrow evening," Slot said ahead of his team's Champions League clash with Qarabag FK. "He has been part of this squad for so many years. I am happy to have him and I am glad he is available because that is not normal for us right now.

"He will be part of the team and nothing is happening on this side. It's hard to say anything definite in this world we are in but I expect him to stay."

Liverpool were dealt another injury blow at the weekend when defender Joe Gomez was forced off with a hip problem in the team's 3-2 defeat to AFC Bournemouth.

The England international is not expected to be sidelined for a long period however he will miss the clash with Qarabag, while Ibrahima Konaté is also on compassionate leave following the death of his father.

"For sure at centre-back tomorrow there will not be a centre-back," Slot said.

"I can only play a midfielder as there are no centre-backs available apart from Virgil [Van Dijk]. I credit him a lot for being fit all the time, at his age to constantly be ready to play another 90 is something we should not take for granted.

"I have to adapt with the system or players in different positions. This doesn't help with the narrative, I am completely aware of that. It is a difficult balance. Before people say I don't listen to medical staff, I am listening but sometimes I make my own decisions. There was a player who was on the pitch and set up a goal when it probably would have been better for him to be off the pitch.

"I speak to my players, I know how they feel and if they are ready, I take that all into account. If you don't know the information, it is easy to criticise."

Reflecting on how challenging it is to deal with the criticism his team are facing this season, Slot added: "It is going to be really difficult to quiet outside noise with the position we are in in the league.

"It's impossible to shut down the noise at a club like this if you are not competing for the league. In between the boxes we are a very, very good team. The way we play out from the back and bring the ball towards promising positions -- so, so many times against Bournemouth we were in positions I want my players to be in.

"Taking it from promising positions to chances and being clinical to finish them off we have to improve. In the other box, other teams arrive there three, four times a game. Too many times when they arrive it leads to chances and sometimes goals.

"There is an imbalance between us and other teams. If we can improve in both boxes we can do very special things season. If we can improve in one it will be an acceptable season. If we can't improve on either there will be a lot of noise."

Cristian Romero's last-minute header rescued Tottenham a point in a 2-2 draw at Burnley but the Londoners' winless Premier League run in 2026 was extended to five matches.

Goals from Axel Tuanzebe -- his first for Burnley -- and substitute Lyle Foster appeared to have halted the Clarets' 13-game run without a league win after Micky van de Ven had given Tottenham a first-half lead.

Spurs skipper Romero's flying 90th-minute header salvaged his side a point, but Thomas Frank's side have won only one of their last eight in the top flight and after the final whistle their travelling fans sang 'you're getting sacked in the morning'.

Burnley have drawn five of their last six league games in their bid for survival, but they have equalled their longest run without a top-flight win since October 1970, which now stands at 14 matches.

Home fans were given a scare after just 10 seconds when an error from Burnley skipper Kyle Walker let in Djed Spence, whose cutback failed to pick out a team-mate.

Both sides contributed to a high-tempo start but were unable to sustain it and after Lucas Pires' close-range tap-in for the Clarets was ruled out for offside there was little to excite the fans.

Two free-kicks from Tottenham's Pedro Porro - the first curled wide and the second was pushed away by Dubravka - was the closest either side came to breaking the deadlock.

The first half then sparked into life 10 minutes before the interval. Wilson Odobert was twice denied by Dubravka, who then produced an even better save to keep out Conor Gallagher's thumping drive.

Burnley then failed to properly clear Spence's cross after the ensuing corner and Van de Ven rifled the loose ball into the bottom corner.

Odobert spurned a chance to double the visitors' lead soon after when he shot straight at Dubravka and their lead was short-lived.

Walker swung over a brilliant trademark cross to the far post following a throw-in and Tuanzebe despatched it first time for a clinical finish on the stroke of half-time.

Both sides threatened early in the second period. Armando Broja was denied by Van de Ven's last-gasp block and Dominic Solanke headed straight at Dubravka.

Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario rescued his side when saving in a one-on-one with Broja and Dubravka turned away Spence's low effort as both sides chased a second goal.

And it was Burnley who took the lead. Jaidon Anthony teed up Foster inside the box and the South Africa striker, who had replaced Broja six minutes earlier, buried his chance at the second attempt.

Vicario saved Forster's first shot with an outstretched boot, but the latter fired home the rebound through Destiny Udogie's legs to put the Clarets 2-1 up in the 76th minute.

Dubravka produced a brilliant save in the closing stages to claw away substitute Mathys Tel's first-time shot and Xavi Simons' fierce shot hit the crossbar before Romero rescued a point for the visitors with a thumping flying header from Odobert's cross.

Dominic Solanke scored on his first start of the season to ease the pressure on Thomas Frank after Tottenham claimed a much-needed 2-0 win over 10-man Borussia Dortmund.

Frank's seven-month tenure looked close to being over after Spurs lost at home to West Ham on Saturday to make it eight defeats in 14 matches.

Spurs supporters chanted Frank was "getting sacked in the morning," but despite talks over the future of the Danish coach he remained in post for the Champions League visit of Dortmund and watched his fortunes change.

Captain Cristian Romero fired Tottenham ahead in the 14th minute from a Wilson Odobert cross before the same man set up Solanke for a fortuitous close-range finish.

Dortmund, who had Daniel Svensson sent off after 26 minutes, attempted to rally in the second half, but depleted and out-of-form Spurs cruised home to put themselves in the driving seat for a top-eight finish and ensure Frank will live to fight another day.

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Take a look at how the action unfolded here:

Spurs vs. Dortmund (21 Jan, 2026) Live Score  ESPN

Dominic Solanke scored on his first start of the season to ease the pressure on Thomas Frank after Tottenham claimed a much-needed 2-0 win over 10-man Borussia Dortmund.

Frank's seven-month tenure looked close to being over after Spurs lost at home to West Ham on Saturday to make it eight defeats in 14 matches.

Spurs supporters chanted Frank was "getting sacked in the morning," but despite talks over the future of the Danish coach he remained in post for the Champions League visit of Dortmund and watched his fortunes change.

Captain Cristian Romero fired Tottenham ahead in the 14th minute from a Wilson Odobert cross before the same man set up Solanke for a fortuitous close-range finish.

Dortmund, who had Daniel Svensson sent off after 26 minutes, attempted to rally in the second half, but depleted and out-of-form Spurs cruised home to put themselves in the driving seat for a top-eight finish and ensure Frank will live to fight another day.

The pressure had mounted on Frank after Spurs conceded in stoppage time against West Ham and the Danish coach was given no assurances over his future in a meeting with key figures at the club on Monday.

Nevertheless, Frank and Tottenham faced an uphill battle with 13 players unavailable against a Dortmund side unbeaten in seven.

Solanke was fit enough to start for the first time since May 25 in a timely boost and Spurs started strongly with Odobert and Pedro Porro able to get in behind before the same duo were involved in a 14th-minute opener.

Porro's corner found Odobert and although he made a mess of his initial volley, the French attacker cut back for Romero to sweep home his fourth goal of the season.

Xavi Simons had a shot deflected wide and then raced back down the other end to crowd out Dortmund's Karim Adeyemi.

A mistake by Guglielmo Vicario soon after went unpunished and then Tottenham's cause got a little easier when Svensson was sent off.

Dortmund wing-back Svensson stretched to win the ball from Odobert, but planted his studs high up on the leg of the Spurs attacker and referee Glenn Nyberg produced a red card after being sent to the monitor by VAR.

Djed Spence almost capitalised when he fired over before Tottenham's second arrived seven minutes before half-time.

Odobert was central to it again after he combined with Porro and crossed for Solanke, who made a mess of his finish with a flick onto his standing leg which rebounded back off his other foot but the ball rolled in for his first goal of an injury-ravaged campaign.

Dortmund made a double change at the break and substitute Julian Ryerson curled a free-kick wide early into the second half before Frank was hit with another injury.

Lucas Bergvall limped off and 17-year-old Jun'ai Byfield was handed a professional debut.

Solanke made way soon after and despite Xavi and Romero going close, it ended 2-0 after Vicario tipped over from Nico Schlotterbeck's stoppage-time header to earn Tottenham a first win of 2026 and extend their unbeaten home record in Europe to 24 matches.

Liverpool and Real Madrid are keeping tabs on Tottenham's Micky van de Ven. Join us for the latest transfer news and rumors from around the globe.

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TRANSFERS TO WATCH

TRENDING RUMORS

- Liverpool center back Ibrahima Konaté remains a way off signing a new contract, reports Teamtalk. Konate believes he should be among the highest-paid defenders in the Premier League, causing an issue with signing a contract extension. However, Teamtalk also report that Liverpool have a replacement in mind. The club are interested in Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven, even though any deal would likely have to invovle a significant transfer fee. Real Madrid are also keeping tabs on the Netherlands international's situation.

- Chelsea are considering a move for Bournemouth defender Marcos Senesi, according to talkSPORT. The club are interested in a center back -- ESPN sources confirmed that they have held talks with Rennes over Jérémy Jacquet -- and they have added Senesi, whose contract expires in June, to their shortlist of transfer targets. Barcelona and Juventus have also been linked with him.

- Arsenal are willing to part ways with striker Gabriel Jesus. The Daily Mail reports that Palmeiras are interested in the 28-year-old, but it is said that he would prefer to be given until the end of the season to prove himself. Meanwhile, The Sun reports that Arsenal are looking at 19-year-old Real Madrid defender Víctor Valdepeñas. They are reported to be among several top clubs that have sent scouts to watch him after he made his debut in the LaLiga match against Alaves last month. Valdepenas is able to be deployed at center-back as well as full-back.

- Uncertainty is growing regarding the future of Atletico Madrid forward Julián Álvarez, according to journalist Matteo Moretto. It is reported that clubs are checking on the 25-year-old's situation, who has recently been linked to Barcelona. The Blaugrana believe that a deal could be difficult to secure for Álvarez given Atleti's expected valuation, but they are prepared to make a move if there is a willingness to negotiate. Fabrizio Romano reports that the LaLiga club are "closely following" Paris Saint-Germain forward Gonçalo Ramos as a signing for the summer, which could see the 24-year-old Portugal international lined up as a potential replacement for Álvarez should he leave the Wanda Metropolitano.

- Al Hilal midfielder Rúben Neves is open to a switch to Manchester United, per Football Insider. The 28-year-old's representatives are said to have made contact with United regarding a potential switch to Old Trafford, and there is a possibility that they make a move for him before the transfer window closes. Elsewhere, manager Michael Carrick is keen to keep hold of midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, according to Fabrizio Romano. Despite previous reports indicating that he could be sent out on loan, he is believed to have earned the "instant trust" of the Man United interim head coach. Mainoo played 90 minutes of the 2-0 Premier League win over Manchester City on Saturday.

Ogden questions how Slot will deal with Mo Salah's Liverpool return

Mark Ogden talks about Arne Slot's future at Liverpool with Mohamed Salah's return from AFCON imminent.

DONE DEALS

To follow...

OTHER RUMORS

- Marseille are trying to sign Arsenal teen Ethan Nwaneri on loan for rest of season. (The Athletic)

- Barcelona are keen on Real Sociedad goalkeeper Alex Remiro. (Mundo Deportivo)

- Napoli have been offered the chance to sign Chelsea winger Raheem Sterling on loan. (Nicolo Schira)

- The €15m permanent option clause in the loan deal of Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji is expected to be activated by Internazionale. (Fabrizio Romano)

- Atletico Madrid have identified Atalanta midfielder Ederson as a potential replacement for Conor Gallagher, who joined Tottenham Hotspur this month. (Mundo Deportivo)

- Girona are set to sign Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen on an initial loan deal. (Marca)

- A switch away from Anfield is expected for Liverpool winger Federico Chiesa in the summer. (The Times)

- Fenerbahce are continuing their pursuit of Al-Ittihad midfielder N'Golo Kanté. (Fabrizio Romano)

- Schalke and Paris FC are battling to sign Fiorentina striker Edin Džeko. (Florian Plettenberg)

- Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest, and Leeds are interested in Fenerbahce defender Jayden Oosterwolde. (The Sun)

- An approach for Al-Ahli midfielder Franck Kessié is under consideration from Juventus. (Calciomercato)

- Wolves and Crystal Palace are leading the race to sign Chelsea defender Axel Disasi. (Ekrem Konur)

- Multiple clubs including Everton and Newcastle are interested in Genoa versatile wing-back Brooke Norton-Cuffy. A deal worth €20m would be enough to land the England youth international. (Ben Jacobs)

- Cruzeiro are demanding an offer worth in the region of €15m for left-back Kaiki, who is on the radar of Como. (Fabrizio Romano)