The Champions League round of 16 is in full swing, and several teams are in a strong position to reach the quarterfinals after the first leg matches. Arsenal, Aston Villa, and Real Madrid have secured advantages, though the size of these leads varies. Arsenal achieved a dominant victory over PSV, practically guaranteeing their spot in the next stage, while Real Madrid’s narrow lead against Atletico Madrid leaves their qualification less certain. Additionally, Inter, Bayern Munich, Barcelona, and Liverpool also gained first-leg advantages.
A significant change in this Champions League season is the removal of the away goals rule. Now, if the aggregate score is tied after both legs, the game will proceed to extra time, and potentially a penalty shootout to determine the winner.
As teams prepare for the crucial second leg matches, here’s a breakdown of what each team needs to do to advance to the quarterfinals:
Feyenoord vs. Inter
First leg score: Feyenoord 0, Inter 2
Inter secured a valuable two-goal victory in Rotterdam, thanks to goals from Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martinez. Feyenoord’s goalkeeper prevented a third goal by saving a penalty, which could be vital for the Dutch team’s comeback hopes in Italy.
Feyenoord second-leg scenarios: Feyenoord needs to win by two goals to force extra time or by three goals to qualify directly.
Inter second-leg scenarios: Inter will qualify with a win, a draw, or even a one-goal loss.
Bayern Munich vs. Bayer Leverkusen
First leg score: Bayern Munich 3, Bayer Leverkusen 0
Bayern Munich established a strong lead against Bayer Leverkusen, thanks to an early goal from Harry Kane and further goals in the second half following Leverkusen’s errors and a red card.
Bayern Munich second-leg scenarios: Bayern Munich will qualify with a win, a draw, or a loss by up to two goals.
Bayer Leverkusen second-leg scenarios: Bayer Leverkusen must win by three goals to take the match to extra time or by four goals to secure qualification.
Benfica vs. Barcelona
First leg score: Benfica 0, Barcelona 1
Barcelona, despite playing with ten men for a significant portion of the first leg due to a red card, managed to secure a narrow victory against Benfica, with Raphinha scoring the decisive goal.
Benfica second-leg scenarios: Benfica needs to win by one goal to force extra time or by two goals to qualify outright.
Barcelona second-leg scenarios: Barcelona will qualify with a win or a draw.
Paris Saint-Germain vs. Liverpool
First leg score: Paris Saint-Germain 0, Liverpool 1
Despite Paris Saint-Germain creating numerous chances and outshooting Liverpool significantly, Liverpool emerged victorious thanks to a late goal from Harvey Elliott and outstanding goalkeeping from Alisson.
Paris Saint-Germain second-leg scenarios: Paris Saint-Germain needs to win by one goal to force extra time or by two goals to qualify directly.
Liverpool second-leg scenarios: Liverpool will qualify with a win or a draw.
Club Brugge vs. Aston Villa
First-leg result: Club Brugge 1, Aston Villa 3
Aston Villa holds a comfortable lead over Club Brugge after the first leg, although Club Brugge arguably played better. Aston Villa benefited from an own goal and a penalty to secure their advantage.
Club Brugge second-leg scenarios: Club Brugge needs to win by two goals to force extra time or by three goals to qualify outright.
Aston Villa second leg scenarios: Aston Villa will qualify with a win, a draw, or a loss by a single goal.
Real Madrid vs. Atletico Madrid
First-leg result: Real Madrid 2, Atletico Madrid 1
Real Madrid has a slight advantage over Atletico Madrid after a closely contested first leg. Brahim Diaz scored the winning goal for Real Madrid in the second half.
Real Madrid second leg scenarios: Real Madrid will qualify with a win or a draw.
Atletico Madrid second leg scenarios: Atletico Madrid needs to win by one goal to force extra time or by two goals to qualify directly.
PSV vs. Arsenal
First leg score: PSV 1, Arsenal 7
Arsenal delivered a dominant performance against PSV, scoring seven goals in the first leg and easing the pressure for the return match. Martin Odegaard starred with multiple goal contributions.
PSV second leg scenarios: PSV needs to win by six goals to force extra time or by seven goals to qualify outright.
Arsenal second leg scenarios: Arsenal will qualify with a win, a draw, or even a loss by up to five goals.
Borussia Dortmund vs. Lille
First leg score: Borussia Dortmund 1, Lille 1
Borussia Dortmund and Lille are evenly matched after the first leg, setting up a decisive second leg in Lille. Both teams will be aiming to advance in what is a tight contest.
Borussia Dortmund second leg scenarios: Borussia Dortmund needs to win to qualify.
Lille second leg scenarios: Lille needs to win to qualify.
