There was no shortage of fireworks on the final day of the Champions League playoffs. Four red cards and 17 goals across the four matches left fans with their jaws on the floor with some of the most stunning results of the season.
Last-gasp comebacks, thrilling back-and-forth affairs, and no shortage of controversy have wrapped up the Champions League playoffs and set up a tantalizing slate of Round of 16 matchups.
Atalanta does the impossible; sees off 10-man Dortmund
A 98th-minute winner capped off a thrilling comeback for Atalanta as they knocked off Dortmund 4-1 on Wednesday, 4-3 on aggregate. A pair of first-half Atalanta goals, including a 5th-minute opener, got the festivities started early, while Dortmund will rue missed opportunities after being eliminated.
The German side appeared to find a lifeline with their 75th-minute goal to level the tie at 3-3, but a last-gasp penalty and second yellow card gave Lazar Samardzic the chance to win the game with the final kick of the match. He did exactly that, sending Atalanta through to the knockout stages.
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Furious Juventus comeback falls short; Galatasaray is through
Juventus returned home facing a 5-2 deficit from the first leg and played incredible soccer through 90 minutes to send this one to extra time. A 48th-minute red card to Lloyd Kelly appeared to have extinguished Juventus’ momentum, but the legendary Italian side scored two second-half goals after being reduced to 10 men.
While the shorthanded effort was remarkable, Galatasaray took advantage of their tired legs to score a pair of goals in extra time, sealing their place in the knockout stages.
Paris Saint-Germain punches their ticket
It wasn’t as easy as it was supposed to be for the French champions, but PSG eventually got the better of their Ligue 1 rivals with a 5-4 aggregate win over AS Monaco.
The tie was level at 3-3 with half an hour to play before a disastrous ten-minute period saw Monaco get reduced to 10 men and concede a pair of goals. A 90th-minute stunner from Jordan Teze got the visitors within one, but Paris’ superior quality allowed them to see out the match.
Real Madrid take care of business
In a match filled with controversy after the racist incidents in the first leg, the Spanish giants left no doubt as to who was the better side with their 3-1 aggregate win over Benfica.
An emotional 80th-minute goal for Vinicius Jr. gave Real Madrid some much-needed breathing room, as the rivalry between these two teams is as heated as ever.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualified for the Champions League Round of 16?
Atalanta, Galatasaray, Paris Saint-Germain, and Real Madrid secured their places in the Round of 16 after dramatic playoff victories filled with late goals and red cards.
How many goals were scored on the final day of the playoffs?
A total of 17 goals were scored across four matches, making it one of the most action-packed playoff finales of the season.
Which match had the most dramatic finish?
Atalanta’s 4-1 comeback win over Dortmund stood out, as a 98th-minute penalty sealed their progression in stunning fashion.
Did any teams advance after playing with 10 men?
Yes. Juventus mounted an impressive comeback after a red card but ultimately fell short, while Monaco’s red card proved costly in their defeat to PSG.
What was the aggregate score between PSG and Monaco?
Paris Saint-Germain advanced with a 5-4 aggregate victory after pulling ahead late in the second leg.
Why was the Real Madrid vs Benfica match controversial?
The tie followed racist incidents in the first leg, adding tension to an already heated matchup before Real Madrid secured a 3-1 aggregate win.
