[REVIEW] UCL knockout playoffs: First leg drama sets up thrilling return clashes
The UEFA Champions League knockout phase play-offs delivered a series of captivating first-leg encounters on February 11 and 12, 2025.
As teams vie for a coveted spot in the Round of 16, the initial matches have set the stage for high-stakes return legs.
NewsNGR Online reports that the return legs will take place next week, Tuesday and Wednesday, February 18 and 19, 2025.
Teams who played on Tuesday this week will play on Wednesday in the next and vice-versa. Also, home teams this week will play away next week and vice-versa.
Here is an analysis of each game, complete with reactions from players and coaches.
1. Brest 0-3 Paris Saint-Germain
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) asserted their dominance with a commanding 3-0 victory over Brest at the Stade de Roudourou.
Vitinha opened the scoring with a penalty in the 21st minute, followed by a brace from Ousmane Dembélé, who found the net in the 45th and 66th minutes.
PSG’s attacking prowess and defensive solidity left Brest with a formidable challenge ahead of the return leg.
Prospects for the Second Leg: With a substantial lead and the advantage of hosting the second leg at Parc des Princes, PSG is in a commanding position to advance.
Brest will need an extraordinary performance to overturn the deficit.
2. Juventus 2-1 PSV Eindhoven
In Turin, Juventus secured a 2-1 win against PSV Eindhoven. Weston McKennie put the hosts ahead in the 34th minute, but PSV’s Ivan Perišić equalized in the 56th.
The match seemed destined for a draw until Juventus substitute Samuel Mbangula capitalized on a rebound in the 82nd minute to restore the lead.
PSV coach Peter Bosz expressed his frustration, stating, “I think it was an unnecessary loss. We had a hard time in the first five minutes, but after that, I thought we had a grip on the match. We dared to play football, and the first big chance came our way.”
Prospects for the Second Leg: PSV’s away goal is crucial. Playing at home in the return leg, they need a 1-0 victory to advance on away goals. Juventus will aim to exploit any defensive lapses to secure their progression.
3. Manchester City 2-3 Real Madrid
In a pulsating encounter at the Etihad Stadium, Real Madrid triumphed over Manchester City with a 3-2 victory. Erling Haaland gave City an early lead, but Kylian Mbappé equalized for Madrid.
Haaland restored City’s advantage from the penalty spot, only for Brahim Díaz to level again. Jude Bellingham clinched the win for Los Blancos with a late strike.
Real Madrid’s Brahim Díaz reflected on the performance: “I’m happy for the goal and for helping the team. I feel we played a great match; it’s not easy here, against a pretty good team. But there’s still the second leg, and the work is not finished.”
Prospects for the Second Leg: Real Madrid’s one-goal advantage and the upcoming home fixture at the Santiago Bernabéu position them favorably. However, Manchester City’s potent attack ensures the tie remains finely balanced.
4. Sporting CP 0-3 Borussia Dortmund
Borussia Dortmund delivered a commanding performance in Lisbon, defeating Sporting CP 3-0. Second-half goals from Serhou Guirassy, Antonios Papadopoulos, and Karim Adeyemi highlighted Dortmund’s attacking efficiency.
Prospects for the Second Leg: Sporting CP faces a daunting task, needing to score at least three goals in Dortmund to have any chance of progressing. Given Dortmund’s formidable home record, the Portuguese side’s prospects appear bleak.
5. Club Brugge 2-1 Atalanta
Club Brugge secured a 2-1 home victory against Atalanta. The Belgian side took the lead, but Atalanta equalized before Brugge netted the winner.
Prospects for the Second Leg: Atalanta’s away goal is pivotal. A 1-0 win in Bergamo would see them through on away goals. Club Brugge will be confident, knowing that scoring an away goal would significantly bolster their chances of progression.
6. Monaco 0-1 Benfica
Benfica emerged victorious with a 1-0 win over Monaco at the Stade Louis II. Vangelis Pavlidis scored the decisive goal in the 48th minute. Monaco’s task was made more challenging after Al-Musrati’s controversial red card.
Prospects for the Second Leg: Monaco must score in Lisbon to stay in the tie. Benfica, with the advantage of their home crowd, will aim to manage the game effectively and capitalize on counter-attacking opportunities.
7. Celtic 1-2 Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich secured a 2-1 victory at Celtic Park. Michael Olise opened the scoring just before halftime, and Harry Kane doubled the lead in the 49th minute. Celtic’s Daizen Maeda pulled one back in the 79th minute, giving the Scottish champions a lifeline.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers remained optimistic: “We still have a chance. The players gave everything, and that late goal keeps us in the tie. We’ll go to Munich with belief.”
Bayern’s Harry Kane acknowledged the challenge: “It was a tough game in a great atmosphere. We knew it wouldn’t be easy, but getting those two goals was crucial. Credit to Celtic; they made it difficult, especially towards the end.”
8. Feyenoord 1-0 AC Milan
Date & Venue: February 12, 2025 | De Kuip, Rotterdam
Scorers: Feyenoord – (34′)
Match Summary: Feyenoord secured a crucial 1-0 victory over AC Milan in front of a roaring home crowd. The only goal came in the 34th minute when a defensive lapse from Milan allowed Feyenoord to capitalize.
Despite Milan dominating possession in the second half, their attacking efforts were thwarted by a resolute Feyenoord defense.
Key Quote: “We knew we had to be compact and take our chances. The job isn’t finished, but we go to Milan with confidence,” said Feyenoord’s coach.
Prospects for the Second Leg: AC Milan will host the return leg at San Siro on February 18, needing at least a 1-0 win to force extra time or a two-goal victory to progress outright.
Feyenoord, meanwhile, will look for a crucial away goal to make Milan’s tar.
