Champions League Round of 16 First Leg Roundup

The First Leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 has concluded, featuring eight matches filled with intense emotions, and only one ending in a draw. As the Teams are now gearing up for the second leg, here’s a roundup of the matches corresponding to the First Leg.

Some of the results were expected, such as Real Madrid’s 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid. Others were a feast of goals showcased by Arsenal 7-1 against PSV. However, we can’t deny that it was a truly impressive date for Champions League matches.

Here is a summary of the First Leg of the Round of 16 of the Champions League

Champions League Round of 16 First Leg Results

Champions League Round of 16 First Leg Roundup – Real Madrid vs. Atletico Madrid

Real Madrid opened the scoring four minutes into the match. Fede Valverde with a pass into open space for Rodrygo, catching Javi Galan off guard. With a diagonal cross inside, Rodrygo managed to beat Oblak, who had no time to block the shot.

26′ into the match, Real Madrid was showing a masterclass on defense until Julian Alvarez equalized the scoreboard with an impressive goal worthy of winning the Puska.

Brahim Diaz was responsible for breaking the parity in the 55′ with a one-two pass, allowing the Moroccan to enter the area and without hesitation put a shot with the inside foot to the far post that Oblak couldn’t reach.

Brahim’s goal was a slap in the face to a Colchoneros team, who were in their best moment of the match. With almost half an hour left, they were unable to gather themselves to overcome the match.

Result: Real Madrid 2-1 Atletico

Champions League Round of 16 First Leg Roundup – PSG vs. Liverpool

Paris Saint Germain was in control of the ball almost all of the game in this very disputed match. PSG had a goal disallowed by the VAR on the 22′. However, that didn’t change the PSG mentality of aggressiveness in which they had 27 shots and 10 on target.

The man of the match was Allison, who stopped nine shots and gave Liverpool the time they needed to overcome the Parisians.

This was a showcase of Arne Slot’s patience. Liverpool was in front of an aggressive opponent and decided to wait for the perfect moment to adjust the pieces. That’s the case of Harvey Elliot, who, one minute into the match and the first time he touched the ball, scored the winning goal with an assist from Darwin Nunez.

Result: PSG 0-1 Liverpool

Champions League Round of 16 First Leg Roundup Benfica vs. Barcelona

From the beginning, Benfica were pushing Barcelona. With Barcelona’s loss near the box just seconds into the match, Pavlidis took advantage to join Kerem, filtering a pass that he took advantage of to shoot a cross-shot that Szczesny managed to stop in time.

In the 22′ Pau Cubarsi was sent off with a red card, leaving Barcelona with one less.

Benfica continued in their attempt to score, and despite having one more, they were unable to do so. It was not until the 61st minute that the scoreboard opened with a shot by Brazilian Raphinha.

After various substitutions came the end of the match leaving Benfica with a lot to think of with the Second Leg to come.

Result: Benfica 0-1 Barcelona

Champions League Round of 16 First Leg Roundup – Bayern vs. Leverkusen

Bayern hosted Leverkusen in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16. A duel where Bayern had an impressive performance and won by three goals thanks to two goals from Harry Kane and one from Jamal Musiala.

The match was dominated from start to finish by Bayern, who already have one foot in the quarter-finals.

Despite being down a player, after Mukiele was sent off with 30 minutes left. Leverkusen were having a match to forget, and now they have to work miracles to come back from behind if they want to reach the quarter-finals.

Result: Bayern 3-0 Leverkusen