The first leg of the most awaited UEFA Champions League: Round of 16 is over and like every year, the tough ties with much excitements have been able to grab the attention of the football fans all over the globe. Now what is even more interesting to see is that how would the second legs go and who all will be able to qualify for the next rounds.
The first match of the round of 16 was between Juventus and Tottenham, both of them being the very strong sides in their respective leagues. The match started off quite well with Gonzalo Higuain scoring two goals for the home side in the starting 10 minutes. However, the Italian giants could not maintain their lead as goals from the ever scoring Harry Kane and Christian Eriksen brought the game to a draw. The English side would now be very much confident as the next leg is to be played on their home ground and they have a huge advantage of two away goals as well.
Next was the match between the Swiss side FC Basel and the English giants Manchester City. Basel was never in the match even on their home ground with City scoring 4 easy goals from the likes of Gundogan(2), Aguero and Silva. With the second leg on City’s home ground, there is no doubt that Basel might get thrashed even badly.
Then came the match between the Portuguese side Porto and another English giants Liverpool. This was another one sided match on the former’s home ground with the latter scoring 5 goals with contributions from Salah, Firmino and a hattrick from Sadio Mane. The next match is at the Anfield and it might be an even bigger thrashing.
Next was one of the most awaited match of the round of 16, between the most successful team in the Champions League, Real Madrid, and the team which has gained the most fans this year, Paris Saint Germain. The match started in the way as everyone had expected it to. Each team scored one goal in the first half but the French side clearly dominated the game. It may have turned a nightmare for the Spanish side but the proved their worth and bounced back in the second half with two goals. The second leg would definitely be even more exciting with PSG looking to grab this opportunity on their home ground taking an advantage of 1 away goal from the Bernabeu.
These were followed by the match between German giants Bayern Munich and Turkish side Besiktas on the former’s home ground. The Turkish side looked nowhere in competition and got beaten by 5 goals two each from Muller and Lewandowski and one from Coman. The Germans will definitely look to maintain their form in the further stages.
Now this match was probably the biggest match of the round of 16, between the two giants Chelsea and Barcelona, both studded with all star players. The match was super thrilling with both sides scoring one goal each from the likes of Willian and Messi respectively. The competition was arch but Barca clearly dominated the possession. However, the result could have been different if Willian’s two shots from outside the box would not have hit the poles. But now there might be a bit fear for the English side as they have to play the next leg at the Camp Nou with Barca having an advantage of 1 away goal.
Next came the match between Sevilla and Manchester United at the former’s homeground which ended at a 0-0. Both sides played quite well and United would definitely be looking to turn this into their favour with the next leg at the Old Trafford.
The last match of the round of 16 was between the Ukrainian side Shakhtar and the Italian side Roma. The match ended at a 2-1 with good showcase of skills from both sides. However, Roma would look to dominate in the next match at their home ground.
So all football fans, stay updated and do not miss the even more important second leg of the UEFA Champions League. And yes, keep supporting your teams. Btw I love Barca.
