Borussia Dortmund, Paris Saint-Germain, PSV Eindhoven and Real Madrid completed the UCL (UEFA Champions League) Round of 16 lineup after an eventful knockout phase.
Borussia Dortmund reached the last 16 by playing out a goalless draw at home to Sporting CP, winning 1-0 on the tie. The match was a cagey affair with Sporting missing star forward Viktor Gyökeres and failing to record a single shot on goal in the first half. Dortmund controlled possession but were met by an inspired Rui Silva, who denied Serhou Guirassy from 12 yards. An offside decision had negated Emre Can’s header in the second half, but the result was enough for Dortmund to advance. They will meet either Aston Villa or LOSC Lille in the next round.
Meanwhile, PSG produced a statement-making performance, crushing Stade Brestois 7-0 at the Parc des Princes and completing a 10-0 aggregate victory. Bradley Barcola, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Vitinha and substitute Désiré Doué scored the milestones goals, while Gonçalo Ramos and Senny Mayulu put the icing on the cake. Brest did have their opportunities, but were thoroughly outclassed. PSG will face a high-stakes tie against either Liverpool or Barcelona in the next round.
PSV Eindhoven launched a remarkable fightback to knock out Juventus with a 3-1 win on the night, 4-3 on aggregate. Ivan Perišić opened the scoring with a stunning volley, only for Timothy Weah to restore Juventus’s aggregate lead.
Ramsay’s header gave the visitors the lead in the 32nd minute only for Saibari’s late equaliser to force extra time, where the eventual winner was scored by Ryan Flamingo. PSV will next take on either Inter Milan or Arsenal.
In the most-awaited showdown, Real Madrid defeated Manchester City convincingly, 3-1, behind a hat trick from Kylian Mbappé. His lob in the opening stages set the tone, before a second with a brilliant strike doubled the advantage and made his treble safe in the second half. City found a late consolation, but Madrid cruised through 6-3 on aggregate. Next up: Atlético Madrid or Bayer Leverkusen.
