It was a decisive night across Europe as several heavyweights and surprise packages confirmed their places in the UEFA Champions League round of 16 following the conclusion of the play-off ties.
At the Santiago Bernabeu, Real Madrid sealed a 3-1 aggregate victory over Benfica with a 2-1 win on Wednesday night, February 25.
Vinicius Junior struck the decisive goal 10 minutes from time, drilling a composed finish across goal to settle the clash.
The forward had been at the centre of attention before kick-off after alleging he was racially abused in the first leg. Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni was subsequently banned for one match and did not feature in Madrid.
Benfica briefly threatened an upset when Rafa Silva opened the scoring, but Aurelien Tchouameni responded almost immediately with a fine effort from the edge of the area. Vinicius’ late strike ensured the holders progressed and they will face either Manchester City or Sporting CP in the next round.
PSG edge Monaco in the Champions League playoff
Defending champions Paris Saint-Germain advanced to the Champions League round of 16 after a 2-2 draw with AS Monaco secured a 5-4 aggregate win.
Monaco had led through Maghnes Akliouche before the interval, but the tie turned when Mamadou Coulibaly was dismissed shortly before the hour mark.
PSG equalised through Marquinhos from Desire Doue’s cross, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia fired in the winner after Achraf Hakimi’s effort was parried. Jordan Teze’s late goal proved only a consolation.
PSG will discover whether they meet FC Barcelona or Chelsea FC in the round of 16.
In Bergamo, Atalanta BC produced one of the most dramatic turnarounds of the play-off stage, overturning a 2-0 first-leg deficit to defeat Borussia Dortmund 4-3 on aggregate.
Gianluca Scamacca and Davide Zappacosta brought the Italians level before Mario Pasalic put them ahead overall. Karim Adeyemi appeared to have forced extra time for Dortmund, but deep into stoppage time Ramy Bensebaini conceded a penalty following a VAR review and was sent off. Lazar Samardzic converted from the spot to send Atalanta through.
They will play either Arsenal FC or FC Bayern Munich next.
Galatasaray survive Juventus fightback in the Champions League playoff
There was an extra-time drama in Turin as Galatasaray SK overcame Juventus FC 7-5 on aggregate.
Holding a 5-2 advantage from the first leg, the Turkish champions saw Juventus level the tie after 90 minutes. Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen restored Galatasaray’s lead in extra time before Yilmaz added another to secure progress. They will face either Liverpool FC or Tottenham Hotspur FC.
All Confirmed Round of 16 Teams and Possible Opponents
Real Madrid will face either Manchester City or Sporting CP in the round of 16.
Paris Saint-Germain will face Barcelona or Chelsea.
Atalanta will face Arsenal or Bayern Munich.
Galatasaray will face Liverpool or Tottenham.
Newcastle United will face Barcelona or Chelsea.
Bodø/Glimt will face Manchester City or Sporting CP.
Bayer Leverkusen will face Arsenal or Bayern Munich.
Atletico Madrid will face Tottenham or Liverpool.
The official draw will take place on Friday, February 27.
