Sentence examples for before the knockout phase from inspiring English sources
Under the league format, each club has group games before the knockout phase commences in the spring.
The Champions League does not normally grip at grounds like Old Trafford because the spectators have had so little reason to believe that the campaign can ever be in jeopardy before the knockout phase.
The big-hitting Pacific Islanders are Scotland's final opponents before the knockout phase of the tournament.
Earlier this season, Mourinho was given a one-match Champions League ban by Uefa after appearing to instruct his players Xabi Alonso and Sergio Ramos to be deliberately sent off against Ajax so they would serve a suspension before the knockout phase.
Löw's side had already conceded four goals in the knockout phase before they got to this match and their opposition, having steadied themselves, were soon exploring the rich possibilities.
Out of contention to reach the knockout phase before kick-off, a much-changed Edinburgh welcomed back Scotland centre Ben Cairns following a 16-month injury lay-off, while Ben Atiga and Netani Talei made their first appearances since October.
In 2002, Jeff Agoos — who had lost his starting job to Regis four years earlier — scored an own goal and was whistled for a penalty kick in three games before returning to the bench for the knockout phase.
Of course the opposite could also prove true – that group stages from which it is possible theoretically for a third-placed team to qualify with only a single point will lead to a tedious phoney war for a fortnight before the real action begins in the knockout phase.
Before Thursday's Europa League tie, one from which Liverpool can qualify for the knockout phase with victory or a goalless draw against Willy Sagnol's side, Klopp claimed to be unaware of what had altered at Anfield since he replaced Brendan Rodgers seven weeks ago.
