The UEFA Champions League Round of 16 delivered a thrilling set of matches on Tuesday and Wednesday, filled with record-breaking performances, intense battles, and high-quality football.
Aston Villa took a significant step toward the quarterfinals with a 3-1 victory over Club Brugge. Leon Bailey and Marco Asensio found the net before a late own goal from Mechele put Unai Emery’s men in a strong position for the return leg.
Arsenal stole the headlines with one of the most dominant performances in recent Champions League history, crushing PSV Eindhoven 7-1 in the Netherlands. Goals from Timber, Nwaneri, Merino, Trossard, Calafiori, and a brace from captain Martin Ødegaard highlighted a ruthless attacking display. Johan Bakayoko’s late strike was little consolation for a PSV side completely overwhelmed by the Gunners.
In Spain, Real Madrid secured a crucial 2-1 victory over city rivals Atletico Madrid. Rodrygo opened the scoring early, only for Julian Alvarez to equalize for Atletico. However, Brahim Diaz stepped up with a decisive second-half goal, giving Los Blancos the advantage heading into the second leg.
Over in Germany, Borussia Dortmund and Lille played out a tense 1-1 draw. Karim Adeyemi put Dortmund ahead in the first half, but Lille responded through Haraldsson in the second, leaving the tie finely balanced.
Inter Milan delivered a solid 2-0 away win over Feyenoord in Rotterdam. Marcus Thuram gave the visitors the lead in the 38th minute, and Lautaro Martínez extended it shortly after halftime, giving the Nerazzurri a comfortable cushion for the return leg in Milan.
Bayern Munich made a powerful statement in their all-German showdown against Bayer Leverkusen, securing a commanding 3-0 win. Harry Kane struck early in the 9th minute, with Jamal Musiala doubling the lead in the second half before Kane added his second in the 75th minute. Leverkusen’s woes were compounded by a red card for Mukiele in the 62nd minute.
Paris Saint-Germain dominated possession and registered 27 shots, yet they fell to a 1-0 home defeat against a clinical Liverpool side. Despite their control, PSG managed only 10 shots on target, while Liverpool needed just one to snatch a crucial away win. The result leaves the Parisians with an uphill battle in the second leg.
Meanwhile, Barcelona secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Benfica in Lisbon. Raphinha’s goal in the 61st minute proved decisive, as Benfica were reduced to 10 men after Cubarsí’s early red card in the 22nd minute. The Catalans now return to Spain with a crucial advantage.
The stage is set for an exciting set of second-leg clashes next week.