The UEFA Champions League round of 16 is underway, and several teams are in a good position to reach the quarterfinals after the first leg matches. Arsenal, Aston Villa, and Real Madrid have advantages going into the second leg next week, although some leads are more substantial than others. Arsenal convincingly defeated PSV 7-1, practically securing their place in the next round. Real Madrid’s 2-1 lead over Atletico Madrid is less certain for progression. On Wednesday, Inter, Bayern Munich, Barcelona, and Liverpool also gained first-leg advantages.
Away goals are no longer a factor in the Champions League. If the aggregate score is tied after 120 minutes in the second leg, a penalty shootout will decide the winner.
As we look ahead to the second legs, here’s a breakdown of what each team needs to advance:
Feyenoord vs. Inter
First leg score: Feyenoord 0, Inter 2
Inter secured a valuable two-goal victory in Rotterdam, with goals from Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martinez. Inter could have extended their lead, but Feyenoord goalkeeper Timon Wellenreuther saved a penalty from Piotr Zielinski, which could be important if Feyenoord stages a comeback 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 advance with a win, a draw, or a loss by a single goal.
Bayern Munich vs. Bayer Leverkusen
First leg score: Bayern Munich 3, Bayer Leverkusen 0
Harry Kane put Bayern ahead early, and the home side increased their lead in the second half following mistakes from Leverkusen. Within 20 minutes, Leverkusen’s goalkeeper Matej Kovar gifted a goal to Jamal Musiala, Nordi Mukiele was sent off, and Edmond Tapsoba conceded a penalty.
Bayern Munich second-leg scenarios: Bayern Munich will advance 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 win outright.
Benfica vs. Barcelona
First leg score: Benfica 0, Barcelona 1
Barcelona were reduced to 10 players after Pau Cubarsi’s red card in the 22nd minute but withstood Benfica’s attacks and benefited from Raphinha’s second-half goal to secure a narrow first-leg lead. Despite Benfica outshooting Barcelona 26-10, the expected goal difference was smaller.
Benfica second-leg scenarios: Benfica needs to win by one goal to force extra time or by two goals to advance directly.
Barcelona second-leg scenarios: Barcelona will advance with a win or a draw.
Paris Saint-Germain vs. Liverpool
First leg score: Paris Saint-Germain 0, Liverpool 1
Paris Saint-Germain played well against Liverpool, taking 27 shots to Liverpool’s two. However, Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson made nine saves to keep PSG scoreless, and Harvey Elliott scored the winning goal in the 87th minute with Liverpool’s only shot on target.
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 needs to win or draw to advance.
Club Brugge vs. Aston Villa
First-leg result: Club Brugge 1, Aston Villa 3
Club Brugge might feel they were the better team in the first leg, outshooting Aston Villa 11-7. However, Aston Villa benefited from an own goal and a penalty to take a comfortable lead into the second leg. Villa remains favored to advance and reach the quarterfinals for the first time in four decades.
Club Brugge second-leg scenarios: Club Brugge needs a two-goal win to force extra time and a three-goal win to advance outright.
Aston Villa second leg scenarios: Aston Villa can advance 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
Both Madrid teams exchanged chances in the first half, entering halftime with a goal each. Brahim Diaz scored the winning goal for Real Madrid shortly after halftime, and Real Madrid secured the victory.
Real Madrid second leg scenarios: Real Madrid will advance with a win or a draw.
Atletico Madrid second leg scenarios: Atletico Madrid needs a one-goal win to force extra time and a two-goal win to advance outright.
PSV vs. Arsenal
First leg score: PSV 1, Arsenal 7
Arsenal were highly efficient in front of goal in Eindhoven, scoring seven goals and relieving pressure for the second leg. Martin Odegaard stood out with two goals and an assist.
PSV second leg scenarios: PSV needs a six-goal win to force extra time and a seven-goal win to qualify directly.
Arsenal second leg scenarios: Arsenal will advance 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
In the only drawn first leg, Borussia Dortmund could not maintain their lead against Lille. Both teams will have everything to play for in the second leg in Lille.
Borussia Dortmund second leg scenarios: Borussia Dortmund needs to win to advance outright.
Lille second leg scenarios: Lille needs to win to advance outright.
