Champions League: Real Madrid, PSG, Arsenal & More Advance to Quarterfinals

The stage is set for the final stretch of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League, with the second legs of the Round of 16 delivering a mix of expected progression and surprising upsets. Several ties were settled on Tuesday, while Wednesday’s matches further solidified the quarterfinal lineup. The ultimate prize, a spot in the final at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest next year, is now within reach for the remaining contenders.

Real Madrid advanced, overcoming a 2-1 deficit from the first leg to defeat Manchester City 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium, securing a 5-1 aggregate victory. Vinícius Júnior proved pivotal, scoring both goals for Los Blancos, including a penalty. Despite a goal from Erling Haaland for City, and a late red card for Bernardo Silva, Madrid’s experience and clinical finishing proved decisive. They will face Bayern Munich in the next round.

Paris Saint-Germain continued their dominant form, completing a convincing 8-2 aggregate win over Chelsea with a 3-0 victory at Stamford Bridge. Goals from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Bradley Barcola, and Senny Mayulu sealed the French champions’ passage. PSG’s attacking prowess has been on full display throughout this competition, and they are looking like serious contenders.

Arsenal also secured their place in the quarterfinals, defeating Bayer Leverkusen 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium, completing a 3-1 aggregate win. Eberechi Eze and Declan Rice found the back of the net for the Gunners, showcasing their resilience and tactical flexibility. Arsenal will now face Sporting Lisbon.

In a stunning upset, Sporting Lisbon dramatically overturned a 3-0 first-leg deficit against Bodo/Glimt, winning the return leg 5-3 after extra time. Goncalo Inácio, Pedro Goncalves, Luis Suárez (penalty), Maximiliano Araújo, and Rafael Nel all scored for Sporting, demonstrating remarkable determination and fighting spirit. This victory marks a significant achievement for the Portuguese side.

FC Barcelona also progressed, overcoming Newcastle United with a dominant performance at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. A flurry of goals from Raphinha (two), Anthony Elanga (Newcastle own goal), Marc Bernal, Lamine Yamal (penalty), Fermín López, and Robert Lewandowski (two) secured an 8-3 aggregate win for the Catalan giants. Barcelona will now face Atlético Madrid.

Liverpool also advanced, defeating Galatasaray 4-1 on aggregate after a 4-1 win at Anfield. Goals from Dominik Szoboszlai, Hugo Ekitike, Ryan Gravenberch, and Mohamed Salah (despite missing a penalty) ensured their progression. Liverpool will face Paris Saint-Germain in the quarterfinals.

Atlético Madrid completed the quarterfinal lineup, securing a 7-5 aggregate victory over Tottenham Hotspur despite a spirited performance from the London side. Randal Kolo Muani and Xavi Simons (including a late penalty) scored for Atlético, while Xavi Simons and Anthony Elanga found the net for Tottenham.

Bayern Munich cruised into the quarterfinals, completing a resounding 10-2 aggregate victory over Atalanta with a 4-1 win at the Allianz Arena. Harry Kane (penalty), Harry Kane, Lennart Karl, and Luis Díaz scored for Bayern, while Lazar Samardzic netted a consolation goal for Atalanta. Bayern’s attacking firepower has been relentless throughout the competition.

The elimination rounds have seen a shift in the competition’s landscape, with several established European powerhouses securing their places in the last eight. The absence of the away goals rule continues to emphasize the importance of securing a positive result in both legs, leading to more open and attacking football. The quarterfinals promise a thrilling spectacle as the remaining teams battle for a coveted spot in the Champions League final at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest.