Shock Exit for Inter as Atlético, Newcastle and Leverkusen Secure Deserved Qualification

The first tickets to the Round of 16 in the 2025-2026 UEFA Champions League have been confirmed, as four clubs officially sealed their qualification in a dramatic evening marked by excitement and a stunning upset — headlined by the resounding elimination of last season’s runners-up, Inter Milan, at the hands of an opponent few expected to reach this stage.

A Massive Shock… Inter Eliminated

The biggest story of the round was Inter’s departure from the competition at home and in front of their own fans, following a 2-1 defeat to Norwegian side Bodø/Glimt. After losing the first leg 3-1, the Italian side were unable to overturn the deficit and suffered a heavy blow, exiting the competition with a 5-2 aggregate defeat over the two legs.

After a balanced first half that ended goalless, former AC Milan player Jens Petter Hauge opened the scoring for Bodø/Glimt in the 58th minute. Just 14 minutes later, Håkon Evjen doubled the lead in the 72nd minute, leaving Inter in a dire situation. Although Alessandro Bastoni pulled one back in the 77th minute, time ran out for the hosts, who bowed out in one of the biggest surprises of the European season so far.

Newcastle Confirm Their Superiority

Newcastle United also continued their strong run, defeating Qarabağ 3-2 to confirm their place in the next round, having already secured a commanding 6-1 away victory in the first leg.

The English side approached the second leg with determination, opening the scoring early through Sandro Tonali in the fourth minute, before Brazilian midfielder Joelinton added a second just two minutes later in a blistering start that unsettled the visitors. Qarabağ reduced the deficit in the 51st minute through Colombian forward Camilo Durán, but Newcastle responded immediately, as Dutch defender Sven Botman restored the two-goal cushion in the 52nd minute. Although Elvin Cafarguliyev netted a second for the visitors in the 57th minute, the result did not alter the course of qualification, which Newcastle had effectively secured in the first leg.

Atlético Madrid Shine with Four-Goal Display

Atlético Madrid also booked their place in the Round of 16 after an emphatic 4-1 victory over Club Brugge, building on a 3-3 draw in the first leg.

Norwegian striker Alexander Sørloth opened the scoring for the Spanish side in the 23rd minute, but Club Brugge responded through Ecuadorian defender Joel Ordóñez in the 36th minute to level the match at 1-1 by half-time. After the break, Atlético displayed greater sharpness, with American midfielder Johnny Cardoso scoring in the 48th minute to restore the lead. Sørloth then completed a superb performance by adding two more goals in the 76th and 87th minutes.

Leverkusen Capitalize on First-Leg Advantage

Bayer Leverkusen advanced to the Round of 16 despite being held to a goalless draw at home by Olympiacos, benefiting from their valuable 2-0 away win in the first leg. The German side managed the return fixture intelligently, maintaining defensive discipline and securing qualification without taking unnecessary attacking risks.