The UEFA Champions League produced a night of drama, controversy and stunning scorelines as several European giants battled in the first legs of the round of 16.
From Liverpool FC suffering a frustrating defeat in Istanbul to a last-gasp equaliser from Lamine Yamal for FC Barcelona, while FC Bayern Munich produced a ruthless masterclass and Atlético Madrid dismantled Tottenham Hotspur in Madrid.
Galatasaray Edge Liverpool on Arne’s Slot 100th Game
Arne Slot endured a frustrating milestone as his 100th game in charge of Liverpool ended in defeat against Galatasaray in Istanbul.
The Turkish champions secured a 1–0 victory thanks to a seventh-minute header from Mario Lemina.
The midfielder headed home from close range after Victor Osimhen flicked on a corner delivered by Gabriel Sara.
It was Lemina’s first goal of the season, and the strike highlighted a recurring weakness for Liverpool, defending corners.
The Reds have now conceded 10 goals from corners this season.
Liverpool were forced to start Giorgi Mamardashvili in goal due to an injury to first-choice keeper Alisson Becker.
Osimhen Goal Ruled Out
Osimhen thought he had doubled Galatasaray’s lead after a major defensive error by Ibrahima Konaté.
However, the goal was disallowed after Baris Alper Yilmaz was judged to be offside during the build-up, even though he did not touch the ball.
Liverpool also saw a potential equaliser ruled out in the 70th minute after a lengthy VAR check.
The ball crossed the line following a corner from Dominik Szoboszlai, but the video assistant referee ruled that Konaté had handled the ball twice during the scramble.
Slot Questions Refereeing Decisions
After the match, Slot admitted the decision was difficult to judge but questioned the consistency of officiating.
“If it’s correct that the goal was disallowed, which is difficult to judge as I’ve heard different opinions from people, it’s not completely obvious but let’s say that decision is right,” Slot said.
“In the Premier League there is much more allowed than in the Champions League.”
He also suggested Liverpool should have received a penalty earlier in the match.
“That’s why I was so surprised it wasn’t a penalty because in all the other incidents where he (the referee) thought he saw something when we made a foul and was so fast to blow his whistle and give Galatasaray a free-kick.”
Liverpool now face an uphill task ahead of the second leg at Anfield on March 18.
Yamal’s 96th-Minute Penalty Breaks Newcastle
At St James’ Park, Newcastle United were seconds away from a famous victory over Barcelona.
Harvey Barnes fired the hosts ahead in the 86th minute with a first-time finish after a cross from Jacob Murphy.
The goal sent the stadium into raptures and appeared set to hand Eddie Howe’s side a historic win.
However, deep into stoppage time Barcelona were awarded a penalty after substitute Dani Olmo was brought down by Malick Thiaw.
Up stepped Yamal, who calmly beat Aaron Ramsdale to level the match 1–1 in the 96th minute.
The equaliser stunned the home crowd and ensured the tie remains finely balanced heading into the second leg at the Camp Nou.
Bayern Run Riot Without Kane
In Bergamo, Bayern Munich delivered one of the performances of the Champions League round as they crushed Atalanta BC 6–1.
The victory was particularly impressive because England captain, Harry Kane started on the bench after recovering from a calf injury.
Instead, the star of the night was Michael Olise.
Olise played a role in the first three goals and scored twice himself as Bayern raced into a three-goal lead within 25 minutes.
Goals from Serge Gnabry, Josip Stanisic, Jamal Musiala and Nicolas Jackson completed the rout before Mario Pasalic grabbed a late consolation.
Bayern boss Vincent Kompany praised his team’s ruthless display.
“That was the kind of performance we wanted. We were dangerous right throughout the match.”
“We’ve got talent and quality in the team, so it’s no surprise when the lads deliver like this.”
Atlético Madrid Demolish Spurs in Madrid
Perhaps the most shocking result came at the Metropolitano Stadium, where Atlético Madrid crushed Tottenham 5–2.
Diego Simeone’s side raced into an astonishing lead:
- 1–0 after six minutes
- 2–0 after 14 minutes
- 3–0 after 15 minutes
- 4–0 after 22 minutes
Tottenham goalkeeper, Antonín Kinsky endured a nightmare start and was substituted after only 17 minutes following two costly mistakes.
Atlético capitalised ruthlessly through goals involving Julian Alvarez, Marcos Llorente and Antoine Griezmann.
Although Spurs managed to score twice, the damage had already been done.
After the match, Griezmann admitted the Spanish side were not fully satisfied despite the dominant win.
“The two goals were a shame,” Griezmann said.
“We have to improve what we did in Barcelona, so we don’t repeat it.”
UEFA Champions League Round of 16 Results
Tuesday
Galatasaray 1 – 0 Liverpool
Atletico Madrid 5 – 2 Tottenham
Atalanta 1 – 6 Bayern Munich
Newcastle 1 – 1 Barcelona
Wednesday Fixtures
Bayer Leverkusen vs Arsenal
Paris Saint-German vs Chelsea
Bodo/Glimt vs Sporting CP
Real Madrid vs Manchester City
