UEFA Champions League Round of 16 just wrapped up and what a rollercoaster it was! All 8 quarter-finalists are locked in, and the fans are already counting down the days to see their favourite teams in action again. Let’s rewind a bit and see how this season’s competition has panned out so far and what lies ahead.
Arsenal absolutely smashed it against PSV Eindhoven. A 9-3 aggregate win for them in the round of 16. Arteta’s men won the first leg 7-1, a true demolition job. The Spaniard has got the Gunners firing on all cylinders and they’re looking scary good.
In another fiercely contested rivalry, Real Madrid scraped past Atlético Madrid over the two legs. That second leg at the ‘Metropolitano’ had the fans on the edge of their seats, but Ancelotti’s squad hung on eventually, keeping their title hopes alive with a controversial 4-2 win on penalty shoot.
Bayern Munich didn’t mess around either, stomping their Bundesliga rivals Bayer Leverkusen 5-0 across both legs. The 2-0 win in Leverkusen was a show of complete dominance.
PSG had a wild ride against Liverpool. After a 1-1 deadlock, it went to penalties at Anfield and PSG nailed it 4-1. Liverpool, who are well on their way to another premier league title, won’t be able to couple their domestic win with the Champions League title.
Barcelona made Benfica look ordinary, cruising to a 4-1 aggregate win. That 3-1 second leg at the Camp Nou had glimpses of Vintage Barca. Hansi Flick’s got them firing on all cylinders.
Dortmund, edged out Lille 3-2 over two legs, while Inter Milan brushed Feyenoord aside 4-1.
Aston Villa are having a season to remember as they battered Club Brugge 6-1 on aggregate. Unai Emery’s got Villa fans pinching themselves & they’re back in the big time and are loving it.
The quarter-final draw looks to be full of absolute crackers! Arsenal vs. Real Madrid—Arteta’s high-flyers against the reigning champs. The fans are already hyped for this one. In another mouthwatering contest, PSG take on Villa, potentially another cliffhanger.
Bayern vs. Inter is going to be a brain-teaser of a battle. Will the might of Bayern’s attack prove to be too strong for Inter or will it be the other way around? We all can’t wait to find out. Last but not least, Barca vs. Dortmund. Another matchup that’s got fireworks written all over it. It promises to be one helluva contest.
First legs kick off on April 9 & 10 at midnight (Pakistan Time) with the return legs scheduled for April 16 and 17. Don’t forget to mark your calendars. Grab a drink, settle in and enjoy the ride!
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