The Champions League second-leg playoff matches delivered high drama, thrilling encounters, and a remarkable trend—none of the away teams suffered defeat. Whether through late heroics, tactical discipline, or sheer resilience, the visitors managed to either secure progression or bow out fighting.
Bayern Munich Scrape Through Against Celtic
Result: Bayern Munich 1-1 Celtic (3-2 Aggregate)
On the verge of elimination, Bayern Munich was trailing 1-0 against Celtic with just 5 minutes left. A February exit—their first since 2019—seemed imminent. However, Canadian, Alphonso Davies’ last-gasp equalizer in the 94th minute ensured Bayern progressed on aggregate.
Despite their advantage from the first leg, Vincent Kompany’s squad selection raised eyebrows. Substituting Harry Kane at halftime, introducing Kingsley Coman, and shifting Serge Gnabry to a central role all contributed to a disjointed attack. While Bayern created opportunities, poor finishing nearly cost them dearly.
Key Talking Points:
- Kompany’s Tactical Decisions: His lineup choices and substitutions lacked coherence.
- Struggles in the Final Third: Bayern’s inability to deliver a decisive final ball contrasted with Club Brugge’s efficiency in front of goal.
Benfica Holds Firm Against Spirited Monaco
Result: Benfica 3-3 Monaco (4-3 Aggregate)
Benfica clinched their place in the last 16 after an enthralling 3-3 draw against Monaco. Despite leading early through Kerem Aktürkoglu, they found themselves trailing after Monaco’s relentless attack. A crucial penalty from Vangelis Pavlidis and a late equalizer by Orkun Kökçü ultimately saw the Portuguese side through. Nigeria’s George Ilenikhena scored just after a minute he was introduced to the game
Key Talking Points:
- Missed Chances for Monaco: The French side failed to capitalize on key opportunities, including Krépin Diatta’s early chance.
- Benfica’s Home Dominance: Their unbeaten record against French teams at home remains intact.
- Clutch Mentality: Benfica showed composure when it mattered most.
Club Brugge Stun Atalanta with Ruthless Efficiency
Result: Club Brugge 3-1 Atalanta (5-2 Aggregate)
Club Brugge delivered a counter-attacking masterclass, racing to a 3-0 halftime lead against Atalanta. Chemsdine Talbi’s brace and Ferran Jutgla’s strike put the Belgian side in cruise control. Though Ademola Lookman pulled one back, Simon Mignolet’s goalkeeping heroics—including a crucial penalty save—ensured Brugge advanced.
Key Talking Points:
- Clinical Finishing: Brugge made the most of their limited chances.
- Ademola Lookman: The current African Footballer of the Year went from hero to villain after scoring a goal but then missing a penalty shortly afterwards.
- Atalanta’s Frustration: Their comeback hopes faded after a late red card for Rafael Toloi.
AC Milan Falter Against Resilient Feyenoord
Result: AC Milan 1-1 Feyenoord (2-1 Aggregate Loss)
Despite significant reinforcements in the January transfer window, Milan failed to overturn their first-leg deficit. João Félix reflected on the disappointment post-match, particularly after Theo Hernández’s controversial red card left them with ten men. Zlatan Ibrahimović defended the club’s squad-building strategy but admitted Milan lacked the maturity to progress.
Key Talking Points:
- Lack of Cohesion: New signings failed to make a significant impact.
- Theo’s Costly Sending Off: The red card proved pivotal in Milan’s elimination.
- Serie A the New Priority: Milan must shift focus to securing a top-four finish and Coppa Italia success.
The biggest takeaway from these Champions League fixtures was the resilience of the away teams, all of whom avoided defeat. Bayern and Benfica scraped through under immense pressure, Brugge impressed with composure and efficiency, while Milan’s exit underlined their shortcomings. Read Also : Champions League – Ademola Lookman is One of the Worst Penalty Takers
