Champions League last-16 confirmed as Arsenal, Liverpool...

LIVERPOOL, Arsenal and Aston Villa finally know which two teams they might face in the Champions League last 16. The big draw for the first true knockout phase is at 11am on Friday - after the midweek play-off results at last made the format of the new-look competition appear straightforward.

Image Credit: The Sun [Kylian Mbappé and Rodrygo celebrating a goal for Real Madrid.]

Kylian Mbappe's hat-trick sent Manchester City crashing out 6-3 on aggregate after a 3-1 loss at Real Madrid. But the Prem's other three representatives had qualified automatically after finishing in the top eight in the group stage, with Liverpool going through as top seeds.

Image Credit: The Sun [Arsenal's Martin Odegaard celebrates a goal.]

The other teams into the last 16 without needing the play-offs were Barcelona, Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen and surprise package Lille. And following the midweek action now over, the format of the Champions League at last takes the shape of a more standard cup competition.

Image Credit: The Sun [Mohamed Salah celebrating a goal at Anfield.]

Bayern Munich dramatically broke Celtic's hearts on Tuesday, with Benfica, Club Brugge and Feyenoord also qualifying for the last 16 on the same evening. And on Wednesday night they were joined by Real, Borussia Dortmund, PSG and PSV, who edged out Juventus 4-3 on aggregate after extra time.

Image Credit: The Sun [Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa celebrating a goal.]

It all means Liverpool will face PSG, who thrashed Brest 10-0 on aggregate, or Benfica. Third seeds Arsenal take on Feyenoord or PSV. Here's what is coming up next - after a night in which Man City crashed out and PSG won 7-0. PSG vs Liverpool/Barcelona. Club Brugge vs Lille/Aston Villa.

Image Credit: The Sun [Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona playing soccer.]

Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid/Bayer Leverkusen. Benfica vs Barcelona or Liverpool. Borussia Dortmund vs Aston Villa/Lille. Bayern Munich or Bayer Leverkusen vs Atletico Madrid. Feyenoord vs Inter/Arsenal. PSV vs Arsenal/Inter Milan. BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS.

Image Credit: The Sun [Borussia Dortmund players applauding fans.]

And eighth-ranked Villa meet Borussia Dortmund (10th), who KO'd Sporting Lisbon on Wednesday, or Club Brugge (24th). Meanwhile, 22nd seeds Real Madrid face Atletico Madrid or Bayer Leverkusen. Pep Guardiola's City had begun the dramatic night by leaving record-breaking goal-getter Erling Haaland on the bench.

Image Credit: The Sun [Khvicha Kvaratskhelia celebrates scoring a goal.]

And they ended it dumped out in humiliating fashion. But for the remaining trio of Prem giants, it's all eyes on Friday. Guardiola said: "After we conceded a goal we didn't defend well. "But we accept it - the best team won. Now we focus on the Premier League.".