The road to the Champions League Round of 16 has begun with high-intensity clashes, heartbreaks, and controversy. While Bayern Munich took a crucial step towards qualification, AC Milan, Atalanta, and Monaco face an uphill battle after suffering first-leg defeats.
Bayern battles past Celtic in a fiery clash
Bayern Munich emerged victorious in a hard-fought 2-1 win over Celtic in Glasgow, taking a vital lead into the second leg in Munich next Tuesday. The Bavarians secured the victory through Michael Olise and Harry Kane, despite a determined fightback from Celtic.
Vincent Kompany’s men had to dig deep to secure the win in the intimidating atmosphere of Celtic Park, where defeats are a rarity on European nights.
“The (Celtic) fans haven’t seen many losses here, so we appreciate the importance of the game and the victory,” said Bayern’s head coach.
Despite their recent Champions League triumphs, Bayern, along with Real Madrid and Manchester City, found themselves in an unusual playoff battle due to the new 36-team format.
Madrid had edged out Manchester City 3-2 the night before in a thrilling encounter, highlighting the unpredictability of this year’s competition.
AC Milan stumble against Feyenoord
AC Milan’s Champions League aspirations suffered a blow as they fell 1-0 to Feyenoord in a rain-soaked Rotterdam.
The only goal of the match came in the third minute, when Igor Paixão’s strike slipped through the hands of French goalkeeper Mike Maignan, handing the hosts a dream start.
Milan’s defensive frailties were evident as Feyenoord’s Brazilian winger tormented Kyle Walker, making his Champions League debut for Milan.
For Feyenoord, the victory marked the beginning of a new era under interim coach Pascal Bosschaart, who took charge following the dismissal of Brian Priske on Monday. Feyenoord now carry a narrow advantage into the second leg at San Siro.
Pavlidis shines as Benfica downs Monaco
Benfica secured a narrow 1-0 win over Monaco, thanks to an exquisite chip from in-form forward Vangelis Pavlidis in the 48th minute.
Monaco’s hopes of a comeback were dealt a further blow when Al Musrati received a red card just minutes later.
Pavlidis, who now boasts six Champions League goals this season, including a hat-trick against Barcelona, is proving to be one of Europe’s deadliest strikers.
However, Benfica’s joy was tempered by an injury setback to Ángel Di María, who limped off after just 20 minutes with a suspected hamstring strain.
This marks Benfica’s second victory in Monaco this season, having previously secured a 3-2 win during the league phase.
Kane vs Schmeichel: A rivalry rekindled
Harry Kane continued his dominance over Kasper Schmeichel, netting his 19th career goal against the Danish shot-stopper.
His superb volley at the back post in the 49th minute left Schmeichel with no chance. Earlier, Michael Olise had given Bayern the lead with a stunning left-footed strike just before halftime.
Despite the setback, Celtic found a late lifeline through Japan forward Daizen Maeda, whose brilliant goal in the 82nd minute kept their qualification hopes alive.
“At 2-1, Bayern are hanging on,” Celtic coach Brendan Rodgers said. “Let’s go and have no regrets and see where it takes us.”
Brugge’s controversial penalty stuns Atalanta
A late penalty controversy saw Club Brugge snatch a 2-1 victory over Atalanta, in a match filled with drama.
Deep into stoppage time, a seemingly harmless clash between Swedish teammates Isak Hien and Gustaf Nilsson led to the referee pointing to the spot, much to Atalanta’s fury.
Turkish referee Umut Meler’s decision sparked outrage, as Hien and two teammates were booked for dissent before Nilsson calmly converted the penalty, sending Rui Patrício the wrong way.
Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini was livid, saying, “We are now going in a direction outside of what football should be. But beyond the controversy, we now have to accept these rules that I no longer recognise.”
Earlier in the match, former Barcelona forward Ferran Jutglá had given Brugge the lead in the 15th minute, before Mario Pašalić equalised with a powerful header in the 41st.
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The race to the round of 16 heats up
With eight teams already securing a spot in the Round of 16, the battle for the remaining eight places is far from over.
Teams placed between ninth and 24th are now engaged in a fierce struggle, with the second-leg clashes set to determine their fate next week.
For Bayern Munich, the job is half done, but for AC Milan, Atalanta, and Monaco, it will take heroic comebacks to keep their Champions League dreams alive.
With high stakes, electric atmospheres, and controversial decisions, the Champions League 2025 playoffs are proving to be one of the most unpredictable in recent history.
