Champions League: Group stages draw to a close as teams set new goals record

By James Masters and Matias Grez, CNN

Updated 6:37 p.m. ET, December 11, 2019
62 Posts
Sort byDropdown arrow
6:36 p.m. ET, December 11, 2019

That's all folks!

Well, that's it then. The group stage of this season's Champions League might be over but there's still plenty of drama to come no doubt.

We'll have full coverage of Monday's draw from Nyon, Switzerland, which starts at 6 a.m. ET.

John Sinnott has crafted this teaser if you're already thirsting after some more Champions League action.

Until then, thanks for joining us and see you soon. We'll leave it to Dele to say goodbye.

5:44 p.m. ET, December 11, 2019

Close but no cigar

Matias Grez

After an earlier pitch invader had made it all the way to Cristiano Ronaldo for a hug, this fan had no such luck.

Looks like the stewards had learned their lesson from the previous breach.

Just look at the sadness in his eyes -- so close, yet so far from a photo with his hero.

A second pitch invader gets hauled away by the stewards.
A second pitch invader gets hauled away by the stewards. INA FASSBENDER/AFP via Getty Images

5:41 p.m. ET, December 11, 2019

Goals galore

Matias Grez

Are you not entertained?!

This season's free-scoring teams have set a new Champions League record ... but with just one goal in six matches, Galatasaray was by a distance the most toothless in front of goal.

5:29 p.m. ET, December 11, 2019

Draw details: All you need to know

  • The draw for the last 16 will take place in Nyon, Switzerland on Monday at 6 a.m. ET.
  • The first legs are scheduled to take place on February 18, 19, 25 and 26, with the second legs on 10, 11, 17 and 18 March. 
  • Group winners will play the first leg away from home.
  • No two teams from the same country can be paired together
  • Two teams which qualified from the same group cannot be drawn against one another
5:20 p.m. ET, December 11, 2019

Spot the star

Ever wondered what it's like to interview a player after a game? Here's the BBC's Nick Godwin in Munich.

5:09 p.m. ET, December 11, 2019

Fancy a stat?

Played six, won six, scored 24, conceded 5. Bayern Munich not messing around this season.

5:07 p.m. ET, December 11, 2019

Here are your last 16

So, which team are you backing to win this season's Champions League?

Can Liverpool retain the title? Could Real Madrid make record a 14th triumph? Will Lionel Messi inspire Barcelona? Or is this finally Manchester City's year? Or how about PSG? Juventus perhaps? Bayern? We give up.

5:02 p.m. ET, December 11, 2019

Hug it out

Matias Grez

They say you should never meet your heroes ... but we're certain this fan would disagree.

After avoiding security at Leverkusen's BayArena, he made a beeline for Cristiano Ronaldo and got a nice firm hug for his troubles.

He was promptly whisked away by the stewards after they had eventually caught up -- although I'm sure he would say it was well worth it.

A pitch invader in Leverkusen enters the pitch to hug Cristiano Ronaldo.
A pitch invader in Leverkusen enters the pitch to hug Cristiano Ronaldo. INA FASSBENDER/AFP via Getty Images

5:00 p.m. ET, December 11, 2019

Fancy a stat?

If you ever need fresh bed linen, this man's got a few clean sheets he can lend you.