The best European teams have once again taken center stage with the last 16 games remaining in the Champions League.
The second batch of the round of 16 provided a host of interesting ties. Atlético Madrid against Chelsea pitted Diego Simeone’s side, who lost their momentum in La Liga, against the rejuvenated side of Thomas Tuchel. Meanwhile, fit Atalanta has hosted an uneven Real Madrid side. Current Champions League winners Bayern Munich, who faced Lazio, and Borussia Mönchengladbach faced the current best European side at Manchester City – with a compelling streak of 18 consecutive wins.
Let’s see the five takeaways from these last 16 Champions League games:
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Champions League knockout stage: Chelsea Stun Atlético, Manchester City win again
Chelsea defeat Atlético Madrid
Chelsea produced an impressive performance by canceling Diego Simeone’s side. The Blues dominated the ball with complete authority and controlled the majority of the game. The night belonged to Olivier Giroud. He produced a tremendous bike kick to win the game in a deserving way for his team. It was another organized and refined performance for Thomas Tuchel’s team. Meanwhile, the German manager remains unbeaten in eight matches with six wins and two draws.
The alarming shot of l’Atlético en forme
Not so long ago, the Colchoneros seemed bulletproof in both La Liga and Europe, but February is proving to be a very bad month with just one win in five matches. The team seems devoured with ideas and without any fluidity. Suddenly, an early exit from the Champions League and a loss of lead in La Liga are waiting for you.
Bayern show their hand
Bayern Munich overtook Lazio with a clinical performance and a 4-1 victory. The Champions were three goals in good at halftime. Robert Lewandowski was featured on the scoresheet as always, but the main goal came from Jamal Musiala. The 18-year-old German striker became the competition’s second youngest goalscorer and produced an impressive performance. Europe take note, another star is born. As for the Bavarians, they have shown that they are ready to fight to retain their coveted title and their average business.
Hi Ho Silva
Manchester City won their 19th consecutive game, beating Borussia Mönchengladbach 2-0. Their last dominant victory came from a header well taken by Bernardo Silva. It was also a superb cross for João Cancelo, arguably playing the best football of his career. The goalscorer then became a supplier as Silva performed a magnificent cross which was eventually converted by Gabriel Jesús. The city continues in unstoppable form.
Madrid’s late parade
Real Madrid started late – in the 86th minute – but Los Blancos scored an invaluable away goal and a victory over Atalanta. The French Ferland Mendy was an asset for the former European champions. It was heartbreak for the Serie A side, which bravely held on with ten men from the 17th minute. Midfielder Remo Freuler got a red card for the home side and his side fought enthusiastically. But it is Real Madrid who take a slight advantage to return to the Spanish capital. Zinedine Zidane’s side are the only La Liga side to have won in the last 16 games, with losses for Barcelona, Atlético Madrid and Sevilla.
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