The Champions League Round of 16 is at its midpoint, with some ties seemingly decided after the first leg, such as PSV’s 7-1 defeat to Arsenal. However, many matchups remain uncertain as teams head into the second legs. The question is, which teams should be most concerned? While Bayer Leverkusen’s poor first-leg performance makes it difficult to sympathize with their likely elimination, teams like Paris Saint-Germain and Benfica face uphill battles after narrow losses in matches they might have expected to win. Therefore, teams have varying levels of worry based on their first-leg outcomes. Let’s examine the teams facing the most pressure.
Feyenoord
First Leg Result: 0-2 loss to Inter Milan
Scenario: Needs a two-goal victory to force extra time, or a three-goal victory to advance.
Feyenoord’s Champions League campaign faces a significant challenge after a 2-0 first-leg defeat to Inter Milan. Conceding goals in both halves, the Dutch side now faces a daunting task against the Serie A leaders. While a comeback might be possible against other teams, Inter’s strength and experience in later tournament stages make overturning a two-goal deficit seem highly improbable.
Club Brugge
First Leg Result: 1-3 loss to Aston Villa
Scenario: Needs a two-goal victory to force extra time, or a three-goal victory to advance.
Club Brugge largely held their own in the first leg, but crucial errors have left them with a significant deficit heading into the second match. An own goal in the 82nd minute, followed by a penalty, compounded their problems. While the Champions League often sees underdogs falter, Brugge primarily has themselves to blame for their current predicament.
Benfica
First Leg Result: 0-1 loss to Barcelona
Scenario: Needs a one-goal victory to force extra time, or a two-goal victory to advance.
Benfica’s first-leg performance against Barcelona was marked by missed opportunities. They were one of only three teams since 2019 to take 25 or more shots in a knockout stage game without scoring. Playing at home with a man advantage for a significant portion of the match against a team capable of winning the entire competition, this represents a major missed opportunity. While the tie isn’t over, giving Barcelona the advantage and the chance to play for a draw in the return leg puts Benfica in a difficult position.
Atletico Madrid
First Leg Result: 1-2 loss to Real Madrid
Scenario: Needs a one-goal victory to force extra time, or a two-goal victory to advance.
Atletico Madrid, with ambitions to win silverware this season, initially appeared to be on track for at least a draw at the Santiago Bernabeu when Julian Alvarez equalized. However, a moment of brilliance from Brahim Diaz in the second half secured a Real Madrid victory. Unlike some others on this list, Atletico will play the second leg at home. However, failing to capitalize on chances against Real Madrid in the first leg could prove to be a critical mistake.
Paris Saint-Germain
First Leg Result: 0-1 loss to Liverpool
Scenario: Needs a one-goal victory to force extra time, or a two-goal victory to advance.
Similar to Benfica, PSG also registered over 25 shots without scoring in their first leg, largely due to an outstanding goalkeeping display from Alisson of Liverpool. To have a realistic chance against Liverpool, PSG needed a home win, but they now travel to Anfield needing to overcome a deficit. While PSG possesses attacking talent, they must be significantly more clinical in the second leg to avoid a major Champions League disappointment.
