MUNICH, Germany (Reuters) -Bayern Munich eased past Slovan Bratislava 3-1 in the Champions League on Wednesday but the Germans missed out on a top-eight finish and automatic qualification and will go into a playoff for a spot in the Round of 16.

Bayern Munich take on Slovan Bratislava on Wednesday, Jan. 29, at the Allianz Arena. Kickoff is set for an 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.

With a spot in the knockouts already secure, Bayern Munich have a chance to sneak into the top eight of the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday when the league phase comes to a close. Bayern enter Matchday 8 in 15th place but are just one point shy of a spot in the top eight and so direct passageway to the round of 16 is a real possibility for Vincent Kompany's side.

Bayern Munich will look to tighten their grip at the top of the Bundesliga on Saturday as they take on a Wolfsburg side with genuine aspirations of a top-four finish.  Bayern maintained their 4-point advantage over second-placed Bayer Leverkusen by crushing Hoffenheim 5-0 on Wednesday,

Bayern Munich enter Wednesday's Champions League Matchday 8 knowing that they will at least be in the playoffs, but a victory and some help could lock up a spot in the top-eight for the Bavarians. All 36 teams will be in action as 18 games will take place simultaneously at 3 p.

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Bayern Munich concluded the league phase of the 2024-25 Champions League by reaching the knockout stage playoffs with a 12th-place finish after a 3-1 win over Slovan Bratislava on Wednesday.

Bayern Munich’s 3-1 Champions League victory over Slovan Bratislava was as deflating a clear win as they come. The result leaves the Bavarians needing a play-off victory — against one of Manchester City or Celtic — to qualify for the Champions League knockouts.