It was a week of high drama in the UEFA Champions League knockout play-off round as AC Milan and Atalanta endured disappointing exits while Bayern Munich, Benfica and Club Brugge all secured their spots in the last 16.
At San Siro, a first-half goal from AC Milan’s Santiago Giménez was nullified as Feyenoord’s Julián Carranza leveled for the visitors, who advanced, 1-1 overall and 2-1 on aggregate. Milan’s hopes were left in ruins after Theo Hernández was sent off in the second half, as Feyenoord dominated the closing stages to advance to the last 16 of the European Cup for the first time in 50 years.
Atalanta’s campaign brought only disappointment when it lost 3-1 at home to Club Brugge to lose 5-2 across two legs. La Dea was caught off guard by the Belgians early as Chemsdine Talbi scored twice and Ferran Jutglà added a third to beyond their reach. Ademola Lookman was brought on in the second half was quick to help Atalanta scored one goal but missed a crucial penalty as Club Brugge advanced through to the round of 16.
Bayern Munich were almost heading for extra time against Celtic, but a 94th-minute winner from Left back Alphonso Davies helped them get a 1-1 draw as Bayern advanced to the last 16. Nicolas Kühn had given Celtic a surprise lead, but Bayern’s relentless pressure told over the course of the game, ending Brendan Rodgers’ side’s hopes of an upset.
Benfica defeated Monaco 4-3 on aggregate after a thrilling 3-3 draw. Kerem Aktürkoğlu, Vangélis Pavlídis and Orkun Kökçü scored to seal the Portuguese side’s passage through despite a rousing Monaco fightback and goals from Takumi Minamino, Eliesse Ben Seghir and George Ilenikhena.
With the draw for the next round approaching, the stage is primed for further high-stakes tussles in Europe’s foremost competition.
