Champions League Round of 16 Confirmed: Six Premier League Teams Advance, Juventus Wins but Exits, Atalanta Stages Comeback as Serie A’s Sole Representative

In the early hours of today Beijing time, the second leg of the Champions League knockout play-offs concluded with the remaining four matches, finalizing the 16 teams advancing this season.

Newcastle United defeated Qarabag 3-2, winning 9-3 on aggregate, becoming the sixth Premier League club to reach the knockout stage this season; the "Madrid giants" both triumphed in their play-offs, with Atletico Madrid beating Club Brugge 4-1 (7-4 on aggregate) and Real Madrid overcoming Benfica 2-1 (3-1 on aggregate) for a double victory; Inter Milan lost 1-2 at home to Bodo/Glimt and were eliminated 2-5 on aggregate; Juventus’ comeback attempt fell short as they won 3-2 against Galatasaray in the second leg but exited 5-7 on aggregate; Atalanta overturned a 0-2 first-leg deficit by winning 4-1 against Borussia Dortmund in the second leg, advancing narrowly 4-3 on aggregate as Serie A’s last remaining team in the knockout phase; Paris Saint-Germain and Monaco faced off in a Ligue 1 derby, with PSG drawing 2-2 in the second leg and advancing 5-4 on aggregate; additionally, Bayer Leverkusen held Olympiacos to a 0-0 draw and progressed 2-0 on aggregate, becoming the second Bundesliga team to reach the last 16.

Ultimately, PSG, Galatasaray, Real Madrid, Atalanta, Newcastle, Atletico Madrid, Bodo/Glimt, and Leverkusen advanced, joining the eight teams already secured from the group stage: Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Tottenham, Barcelona, Chelsea, Sporting CP, and Manchester City to form the Champions League Round of 16.

Atletico Madrid 4-1 Club Brugge

At 1:45 AM Beijing time on February 25, Atletico Madrid hosted Club Brugge. In the first half, Serrotti broke through defenders and shot low, with Minoletti making a costly error letting the ball slip into the net. Club Brugge later equalized from a corner via Odonius’ header at the back post. In the second half, Cadozo unleashed a stunning volley from the edge of the box to put Atletico ahead again, and Serrotti completed his hat-trick with two more goals. Atletico Madrid won 4-1 at home, advancing 7-4 on aggregate to the knockout stage.

Inter Milan 1-2 Bodo/Glimt

At 4:00 AM Beijing time on February 25, Inter Milan returned home to face Bodo/Glimt after losing the first leg by two goals. In the first half, Frattesi and Thuram created chances. In the second half, Akanji made a critical mistake allowing Hauge to score, giving Bodo/Glimt a three-goal aggregate lead. Late in the match, Evjen added another goal to secure the win for the visitors, while Bastoni scored a consolation for Inter. Inter lost 1-2 at home and were eliminated 2-5 on aggregate, suffering a double defeat and sending debutants Bodo/Glimt proudly into the last 16.

Atalanta 4-1 Borussia Dortmund

At 1:45 AM Beijing time on February 26, Atalanta hosted Borussia Dortmund, who had taken a 2-0 advantage in the first leg. Early on, Bensebaini’s clearance error gifted Scamacca a perfect chance to give the home side a dream start. Near halftime, Zapacosta’s long-range shot deflected into the net, leveling the aggregate score. In the second half, Pasalic scored a header to put Atalanta ahead on aggregate. Ademi responded for Dortmund with a solo goal, tying the aggregate again. In stoppage time, Bensebaini committed a foul in the box and received a red card, with substitute Strobl also sent off. Samardzic then converted the penalty to seal the victory. Atalanta won 4-1 and advanced 4-3 on aggregate, becoming the first Serie A team to reach the Champions League last 16 this season.

Juventus 3-2 Galatasaray

At 4:00 AM Beijing time on February 26, Juventus hosted Galatasaray, who had dominated the first leg 5-2 against the Italian giants. In the first half, Kevren-Thuram earned a penalty which Locatelli converted to give Juventus the lead. In the second half, Juventus suffered a blow as Kelly was sent off with a straight red card, forcing the home team to play with ten men. Gatti and McKennie scored to push the match into extra time. Early in extra time, Osimhen scored a low shot to give Galatasaray the aggregate lead again, and Yilmaz sealed the victory near the end. Despite winning 3-2 on the night, Juventus were eliminated 5-7 on aggregate by Galatasaray.

Paris Saint-Germain 2-2 Monaco

At 4:00 AM Beijing time on February 26, Paris Saint-Germain hosted the second leg against Monaco, having won 1-0 away in the first leg. In the first half, Mamadou Koulibaly missed a close chance, but Akliush scored first for PSG. After the break, Mamadou Koulibaly was sent off after receiving two yellow cards, reducing Monaco to ten men. Marquinhos and Kvaratskhelia scored for PSG, but Teze pulled one back in stoppage time. The match ended 2-2, with PSG advancing 5-4 on aggregate to the knockout stage.

Real Madrid 2-1 Benfica

At 4:00 AM Beijing time on February 26, Real Madrid hosted Benfica, having won 1-0 away in the first leg. In the first half, Courtois saved a teammate’s clearance attempt, and Rafa Silva scored to level the aggregate. Just one minute later, Valverde’s back-heel assist set up Tchouameni for his first Champions League goal. A subsequent goal by Guiller was disallowed for offside. In the second half, Valverde assisted a second goal, and Vinicius scored to secure the win. Real Madrid won 2-1, advancing 3-1 on aggregate to the Champions League last 16.

Other Matches:

Newcastle United 3-2 (9-3 on aggregate) Qarabag

Bayer Leverkusen 0-0 (2-0 on aggregate) Olympiacos