The Champions League Round of 16 kicked off this week, and as expected, it delivered. Initial skepticism over the tournament’s new “Swiss” format has been firmly put to rest. Perhaps the most significant change was allowing teams from the same league to face each other as early as the playoff round- previously prohibited until the quarterfinals. This adjustment brought immediate blockbuster matchups, such as Real Madrid vs. Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich vs. Bayer Leverkusen. But rule changes aside, this week reminded us of a time when football was played with flair and freedom- when it was Joga Bonito, as the Brazilians say.
That being said, these opening matches gave us key insights into which teams might be the favorites to lift the trophy.
Bayern Dismantle Leverkusen with Skill, Flair, and Pace (3-0 AGG)
Bayern Munich have undergone a transformation in recent seasons, driven by their European struggles and the end of their 11-year long Bundesliga reign. The arrival of manager Vincent Kompany represents a new era of Bavarian football. While Bayern remain vulnerable defensively- especially with Dayot Upamecano in the backline- their attacking prowess compensates for it, especially with Kompany’s style of play.
The Bayern of old had an iconic wide duo in Arjen Robben and Franck Ribéry. Their current crop- Michael Olise, Kingsley Coman, and Jamal Musiala- shows similar promise, complemented by the blistering pace of Alphonso Davies and the finishing prowess of Harry Kane. Leverkusen had no answers, especially after Nordi Mukiele’s rash challenge earned him a second yellow. Kane sealed the tie with a 75th-minute penalty, and despite some early scares- most notably Jeremy Frimpong failing to convert after an Upamecano error- Bayern controlled the match. If not for a few near-misses, the scoreline could have been even harsher for Xabi Alonso’s side.
This result shows what Bayern Munich are capable of, but until their backline becomes more resolute, better equipped teams in the later stages of this tournament will run rampant.
Alisson’s Career Performance Secures Liverpool’s Away Victory (1-0 AGG)
This was Champions League football at its finest- Darren Fletcher and Ally McCoist in the commentary booth, a raucous Parc des Princes atmosphere, and a clash of two European titans. Liverpool may have arrived as one of the tournament favorites, but they were completely outplayed by an inspired PSG.
From the opening whistle to the 87th minute, PSG dominated. Ousmane Dembélé and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia tormented Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson, while Marquinhos, Nuno Mendes, and Achraf Hakimi held firm at the back. Vitinha and João Neves bossed the midfield, running circles around their Liverpool counterparts. By all metrics, PSG should have won comfortably. They registered 27 shots (10 on target) and racked up an expected goal tally of 2.58- but they couldn’t beat Alisson Becker.
The Brazilian goalkeeper put on a masterclass, single-handedly keeping Liverpool in the game. Liverpool may have been lucky at times- a Kvaratskhelia goal disallowed for being offside, a missed red card when Ibrahima Konaté committed a reckless challenge, and numerous squandered chances, but when they had opportunities Alisson was there. The cost of failing to capitalize? Harvey Elliot, subbed on moments earlier, snatched an 87th-minute winner.
For all of PSG’s brilliance they came away with nothing to show for it, and now face an uphill battle at Anfield. Liverpool have the advantage, and if they can come away with another win, then this team will be one to watch out for in the coming rounds.
Barcelona Outlast Benfica (1-0 AGG)
If you had told me Barcelona- La Liga leaders and one of Europe’s most in-form teams- would struggle for 90 minutes against Benfica, I wouldn’t have believed you. Yet that’s exactly what happened.
Benfica dominated from the start, nearly taking advantage of an early defensive lapse before Wojciech Szczęsny’s heroics bailed out all of Catalonia. The game took another turn when Pau Cubarsí was sent off in the 22nd minute. From there, it was all Benfica, but just like PSG, they failed to capitalize.
Despite eight saves from Szczęsny, Benfica kept wasting chances, either shooting directly at him or missing the target altogether. Barcelona, against the run of play, found their breakthrough in the 61st minute through a beautiful Raphinha goal on the counterattack. Now, they return to Camp Nou with a one-goal cushion and a motivation to play to their potential.
Barcelona have a clear path to the final, and if they continue to show the same resilience as they did against Benfica, then this team will find themselves at the Allianz Arena in no time.
Real Madrid Edge Atletico in Another Champions League Derby (2-1 AGG)
It’s a story as old as time- Real Madrid faces Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, and Los Blancos prevail. It happened in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, and now 2025.
This edition of the Madrid derby lived up to expectations, featuring three stunning goals. Rodrygo may have earned Man of the Match honors, but the night’s true hero was Brahim Díaz. Before the match, Diego Simeone subtly dismissed Díaz’s influence, saying he didn’t think Díaz would earn himself a spot in the starting XI . The midfielder responded in the best way possible- scoring the winner to hand Madrid the advantage heading into the second leg at the Metropolitano.
Madrid enter the return leg as favorites and once again look like strong contenders for the title. The real question is- when this team plays to the best of their ability, does anyone stand a chance?
The Road Ahead
With narrow scorelines across most first-leg ties, the second legs promise even more drama. Teams like PSG and Benfica will feel they should have secured better results, while Bayern and Real Madrid have set themselves up favorably. Despite their wins, Barcelona and Liverpool will know they need to improve to progress further. The knockout stage is far from over, and with everything still to play for, next week’s fixtures are set to be unmissable. One thing is certain—Champions League football is well and truly back.
