Champions League: Real thrash City, PSG produce goal show, Arsenal rescue a draw

On Wednesday, the first legs of the 2025/26 Champions League Round of 16 took place. Several matches delivered thrilling intrigue ahead of the return games scheduled for next week. The loudest result of the evening came in Madrid, where Real Madrid confidently defeated Manchester City.

Bayer — Arsenal 1:1

In Leverkusen, the hosts were close to victory, but Arsenal managed to rescue a draw in the closing stages.

After a goalless first half, Bayer took the lead early in the second period. Robert Andrich powered in a header after a cross to put the German side ahead. The Leverkusen team defended confidently and for a long time prevented their opponents from creating dangerous chances.

The turning point came after Noni Madueke entered the field. His breakthrough down the right flank resulted in a penalty. Former Bayer player Kai Havertz stepped up and calmly converted to level the score — 1:1.

Robert Andrich was named the best player of the match. UEFA’s technical group praised his confident play in central defense, smart pressing involvement in midfield, accurate passing, and a beautiful goal.

The fate of the tie will now be decided in the return match in London.

Real Madrid — Manchester City 3:0

The biggest sensation of the evening took place at the Santiago Bernabéu, where Real Madrid comfortably defeated Manchester City.

The match was spectacular and full of chances. Both teams played at a high tempo and focused on attacking football, but the key hero of the night was Federico Valverde.

The Uruguayan midfielder scored an impressive hat-trick, becoming the main architect of Madrid’s victory. City also had their chances, while Thibaut Courtois produced one of the most spectacular saves ever seen by the Bernabéu crowd.

At the same time, the visitors can consider themselves lucky in one episode involving a penalty for the English side: Gianluigi Donnarumma saved Vinícius Jr.’s shot and prevented Real from extending the lead to four goals.

Federico Valverde was named the best player of the match. UEFA highlighted his dynamic performance, excellent decisions on the pitch, and huge contribution both in defense and attack.

PSG — Chelsea 5:2

The most high-scoring match of the evening took place in Paris, where PSG secured a spectacular victory over Chelsea.

The French club opened the scoring as early as the 10th minute thanks to Bradley Barcola. However, Chelsea quickly responded — Malo Gusto equalized. Just before the break, Ousmane Dembélé restored PSG’s lead.

In the second half the game continued to swing from side to side. Enzo Fernández equalized again — 2:2, and for a long time it seemed both teams would approach the return match without any advantage.

However, the final minutes belonged entirely to the hosts. First Vitinha elegantly chipped the goalkeeper, and then substitute Khvicha Kvaratskhelia scored a brace — in the 86th minute and in stoppage time.

PSG eventually won 5:2, gaining a serious advantage ahead of the second leg.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was named the best player of the match, as he came on when the score was 2:2 and essentially decided the outcome with his brilliant performance.

Bodø/Glimt — Sporting 3:0

The Norwegian club continues to surprise in this season’s Champions League.

Bodø/Glimt confidently defeated Sporting 3:0, securing their fifth consecutive win in the tournament. The Norwegian side showed organized football and used their chances effectively.

A key role was played by Sondre Brunstad Fet. The midfielder won a penalty and converted it himself to open the scoring. In addition, his interception initiated the attack that led to the hosts’ second goal.

Fet was named Man of the Match thanks to his active play on the left side of midfield and the huge amount of work both with and without the ball.

The second-leg matches of the Champions League Round of 16 will take place next week and will determine the quarter-final participants.