The UEFA Champions League round of 16 is in full swing, with several teams just one step away from securing their place in the quarterfinals after the initial matches.
Arsenal, Aston Villa, and Real Madrid are all heading into the second leg next week with an advantage, although some leads are more substantial than others. The Gunners impressively defeated PSV 7-1 on Tuesday, putting them in a strong position to advance to the next stage, while Real Madrid’s narrow 2-1 victory over Atletico Madrid leaves their qualification still uncertain.
With the away goals rule no longer in effect in the Champions League, any tie in aggregate score after 180 minutes will lead to extra time and potentially a penalty shootout in the second leg.
As we look forward to the second legs, here’s a breakdown of what each team needs to do to progress next week.
Club Brugge vs. Aston Villa
First-leg result: Club Brugge 1, Aston Villa 3
Despite potentially performing better in the first leg on Tuesday with more shots on goal (11 to seven), Club Brugge conceded due to a Brandon Mechele own goal and a Marco Asensio penalty, giving Aston Villa a comfortable lead for the second leg. Aston Villa remains favored to advance and make their first Champions League appearance in forty years even more memorable by reaching the quarterfinals.
Club Brugge second-leg scenarios: Club Brugge must win by two goals to force extra time, or by three goals to qualify directly.
Aston Villa second leg scenarios: Aston Villa will advance with a win, a draw, or even a loss by a single goal.
Real Madrid vs. Atletico Madrid
First-leg result: Real Madrid 2, Atletico Madrid 1
Both Madrid teams exchanged attacks throughout the first half, each scoring a goal thanks to individual brilliance from Real Madrid’s Rodrygo and Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez. However, Brahim Diaz scored the decisive goal for Los Blancos shortly after halftime, and the current champions managed to control the game to the end.
Real Madrid second leg scenarios: Real Madrid will proceed to the next round with a victory or a draw.
Atletico Madrid second leg scenarios: Atletico Madrid needs to win by one goal to take the match to extra time and by two goals to secure direct qualification.
PSV vs. Arsenal
First leg score: PSV 1, Arsenal 7
Arsenal displayed exceptional attacking efficiency in Eindhoven, scoring seven goals against the home side and relieving pressure for the second leg. The Gunners achieved this high score despite an expected goals (xG) of just 1.96, with Martin Odegaard standing out with two goals and an assist.
PSV second leg scenarios: PSV requires a six-goal victory to extend the game into extra time, and a seven-goal victory to advance outright.
Arsenal second leg scenarios: Arsenal will advance with a win, a draw, or even if they lose by up to five goals.
Borussia Dortmund vs. Lille
First leg score: Borussia Dortmund 1, Lille 1
In the only first-leg draw of Tuesday’s matches, Borussia Dortmund, last year’s finalists, couldn’t maintain their first-half lead against Lille, who surprisingly reached the top eight in the league phase. Both teams will have everything to play for in the next leg hosted by Lille, as they aim to achieve their best-ever Champions League performance.
Borussia Dortmund second leg scenarios: Borussia Dortmund must win to advance.
Lille second leg scenarios: Lille must win to advance.
