After almost five months, 144 matches and 487 goals, including one from a goalkeeper, the Champions League’s awkwardly named league phase has finally reached its merciful conclusion.
Despite two thirds of the entrants qualifying, the first round of fixtures still saw some hefty continental figures drop out. Former champions in the shape of Ajax and PSV Eindhoven couldn’t live up to their lofty past, while reigning Serie A holders Napoli were consigned to the same fate as Marseille—elimination.
