The Champions League Round of 16 kicked off with some explosive performances as Europe’s elite clubs battled it out for a place in the quarter-finals. From Arsenal’s historic demolition of PSV to Bayern Munich’s physical dominance over Leverkusen, the stage was set for drama, stunning individual displays, and high stakes. Raphinha’s magic for Barcelona, along with jaw-dropping goals from Rodrygo and Julian Alvarez in the Madrid derby, added flair to a week of intense football. Here’s a closer look at the standout moments and performances from the Champions League knockout stage so far.
Champions League Review
Arsenal in Seventh Heaven
Arsenal’s 7-1 demolition of PSV Eindhoven was a statement performance in the Champions League, showing the kind of ruthless efficiency that could propel Mikel Arteta’s side deep into the competition. Despite struggling with injuries to key attackers and facing the daunting task of maintaining their Premier League aspirations, Arsenal looked a cut above their Dutch counterparts. The victory not only marked the first time Arteta’s Arsenal had scored seven goals in a match, but it also made history as the first team to score seven or more goals away from home in a Champions League knockout round match. PSV, on the other hand, were left reeling, equalling their heaviest-ever defeat.
In a match that saw unexpected heroes step up, the likes of Declan Rice and Mikel Merino found the back of the net, while 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri continued his impressive rise. The standout, however, was Leandro Trossard, whose dinked finish added gloss to a performance that oozed class. Arsenal’s high pressing and quick counter-attacks overwhelmed PSV, a tactical approach that could be even more effective on the European stage than their traditional attacking setup. With the Premier League title slipping further from their grasp, Arteta’s side may find more joy in Europe, where their well-rounded, tactical approach shines through.
Raphinha for Ballon D’Or?
Barcelona’s 1-0 Champions League victory over Benfica was a grind of a match, with both sides playing more on the defensive than the attacking front. But once again, it was Raphinha who stepped up when Barcelona needed him most. Initially, the Brazilian winger had a rather quiet first half, lacking the composure that’s often expected of him, but his shift to the right wing in the second half made all the difference. Just moments after Yamal’s substitution, Raphinha intercepted a loose pass, powering forward and unleashing a shot from the edge of the box that found the back of the net, courtesy of a deflection.
His goal wasn’t just a match-winner; it was a testament to Raphinha’s growing importance to the team, especially as a versatile player capable of shifting between different roles. His defensive work was just as crucial as his attacking contribution, helping Alejandro Balde on the left flank while limiting Benfica’s impact. Barcelona’s performance as a whole lacked fluidity, but Raphinha’s contribution put them in a strong position for the second leg. Once again, the Brazilian showed his value to the team, proving that on the biggest stage, he’s a player capable of producing when it matters most.
Rodrygo and Julian Alvarez both score BANGERS in the Madrid Derby
The Madrid derby lived up to its billing as a highly-charged and physical affair, with Real Madrid coming out on top 2-1 against Atletico Madrid. While the match was not filled with constant end-to-end action, it featured two stunning individual strikes that will be remembered for years. Rodrygo’s opening goal in the third minute was a display of pace, precision, and technique.
As Valverde threaded the ball through to him, Rodrygo showed the composure of a seasoned pro, taking the ball past Atletico’s Javi Galan and the scrambling Jose Maria Gimenez before firing a powerful left-footed shot past Oblak.
Alvarez’s goal, which came at a crucial moment when Atletico had equalised, was even more remarkable. With the ball at his feet outside the box, Alvarez ignored the difficult angle and instead curled a beautiful strike around Courtois, kissing the post before finding the back of the net. Both goals were worthy of winning any game, but in the end, it was Madrid who came out victorious, and they have the skill of their attacking players to thank for keeping them at the top of the tie.
Victory for Los Blancos!
Real Madrid secure a 2-1 win against Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League
Who will make it to the Champions League quarterfinals?pic.twitter.com/zYWE7saGjx
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Liverpool’s smash-and-grab in Paris
Liverpool’s 1-0 win against Paris Saint-Germain was a classic example of a “smash and grab” performance, where one team’s dominance in possession wasn’t reflected on the scoreline. For most of the match, PSG were the better side, testing Alisson with numerous shots, yet they were unable to find a way past Liverpool’s Brazilian goalkeeper. Alisson’s performance was one for the ages, with crucial saves throughout the game, including a sensational full-length dive to deny Kvaratskhelia’s free kick.
However, as is often the case in the Champions League, a single moment of brilliance can change the course of the game, and that moment came courtesy of Harvey Elliott. After being brought on as a substitute, Elliott took just 47 seconds to make an impact, seizing a lay-off from Darwin Nunez and firing the ball into the net with his first touch.
The goal was a testament to Elliott’s sharpness and his ability to make things happen when called upon. Despite limited playing time in the Premier League this season, Elliott’s clutch performance in Paris reminded everyone why he is one of Liverpool’s most promising talents, and with that goal, he gave them a huge advantage heading into the second leg.
This season Liverpool have beaten the current champions of:
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Premier League (Twice)
LaLiga
Bundesliga
Ligue 1
WITHOUT EVEN CONCEDING A GOALpic.twitter.com/30K1soQcRQ
Bayern dispatch of Leverkusen
Bayern Munich’s 3-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League demonstrated the importance of physical dominance in high-level European competition. Against a team that has been impressive domestically under Xabi Alonso, Bayern proved their worth by winning the majority of duels, both on the ground and in the air. The difference in physicality was most evident in key moments of the match, particularly in the build-up to the first and second goals.
Leverkusen’s defense was exposed in critical situations, notably with Nordi Mukiele allowing Harry Kane to get in front of him for the opening goal. Even worse, a misjudged cross from Kimmich led to an uncharacteristic error from goalkeeper Matej Kovar, gifting Musiala the second goal. Leverkusen, struggling to cope with Bayern’s physicality, found themselves on the back foot, even conceding a second yellow card after a clumsy challenge from Mukiele.
Bayern, on the other hand, were efficient and ruthless, making Leverkusen pay for their mistakes. With a dominant display in key areas, Bayern showed why they are among the most feared teams in Europe, demonstrating once again that Champions League success often comes down to the basics: physicality, winning duels, and capitalising on opponents’ errors.
The hurryKANE
— 365Scores (@365Scores) March 6, 2025
Will the English goal-machine FINALLY win a title this season? pic.twitter.com/xKZcOrLram
All Champions League Results:
Club Brugge 1-3 Aston Villa
Borussia Dortmund 1-1 Lille
PSV 1-7 Arsenal
Real Madrid 2-1 Atletico Madrid
PSG 0-1 Liverpool
Bayern Munich 3-0 Leverkusen
Benfica 0-1 Barcelona
Feyenoord 0-2 Inter Milan
By Nicky Helfgott / @NickyHelfgott1 on Twitter (X)
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