Real Madrid Triumphs Over Atlético in Another Thrilling Derby
Defending champions Real Madrid took the upper hand in their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 clash against city rivals Atlético Madrid, securing a 2-1 victory in the first leg at the Santiago Bernabéu. The return leg is set for next week.
This match held special significance for Real Madrid, marking their 500th game in the Champions League, across both its old and new formats. Los Blancos have now recorded 302 wins, 85 losses, and 113 draws in the competition, further cementing their status as the tournament’s most decorated club with a record 15 titles.
Without their suspended English star Jude Bellingham, Madrid struck early in the fourth minute. Uruguayan Federico Valverde delivered a precise through ball to Brazilian forward Rodrygo, who surged past defender Javi Galán before blasting a left-footed shot past Slovenian goalkeeper Jan Oblak to open the scoring—his fifth goal in nine UCL appearances this season.
Atlético responded in the 32nd minute when Argentine forward Julián Álvarez picked up the ball on the right flank, skillfully dribbled past Frenchman Eduardo Camavinga, and curled a stunning shot from a tight angle that deflected off the left post and into the net, leveling the score and taking his tournament tally to seven goals.
However, early in the second half, Madrid reclaimed the lead with a moment of individual brilliance from Moroccan star Brahim Díaz. The attacking midfielder weaved past two defenders before slotting a low shot into the far corner beyond Oblak’s reach in the 55th minute, securing an important first-leg advantage for the reigning champions.
Arsenal Secures Qualification with a Stunning Seven-Goal Display
Meanwhile, Arsenal all but confirmed their quarterfinal spot after demolishing Dutch side PSV Eindhoven 7-1 on the road.
The Gunners’ goals came from Dutch defender Jurriën Timber (18’), Ethan Nwaneri (21’), Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino (31’), Norwegian captain Martin Ødegaard (47’, 73’), Belgian winger Leandro Trossard (48’), and Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori (85’).
PSV’s only goal was a penalty converted by Dutch forward Noa Lang (43’).
Elsewhere, 1982 European champions Aston Villa took a major step towards the quarterfinals with a late 3-1 victory over Belgian side Club Brugge.
Villa took the lead in the third minute when Jamaican winger Leon Bailey finished a well-placed header from defender Tyrone Mings. However, Brugge equalized in the 12th minute through a low strike from Maxim De Cuyper.
The Premier League side restored their lead in the 82nd minute when Brugge’s Brandon Mechele inadvertently deflected a cross into his own net. Spanish forward Marco Asensio sealed the win with an 88th-minute penalty after Polish full-back Matty Cash was fouled inside the box.
At Signal Iduna Park, French club Lille earned a vital 1-1 draw against last season’s runners-up Borussia Dortmund.
German winger Karim Adeyemi put Dortmund ahead in the 22nd minute, but Icelandic midfielder Hákon Haraldsson struck in the 68th minute to level the score. The result keeps the tie finely poised ahead of the return leg next Wednesday.
The remaining four Round of 16 first-leg matches take place tonight, headlined by a blockbuster showdown between Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain and Premier League leaders Liverpool.
Another highly anticipated match sees Bundesliga frontrunners Bayern Munich take on defending German champions Bayer Leverkusen. Meanwhile, La Liga leaders Barcelona visit Portuguese giants Benfica, and Serie A champions Inter Milan travel to face Dutch side Feyenoord Rotterdam.
