The UEFA Champions League knockout stage saw some thrilling matches this week, with surprises and standout performances from various teams. Arsenal and Barcelona faced tough challenges in their first UCL knockout matches, with FC Porto securing a dramatic 1-0 victory against Arsenal and Napoli holding Barcelona to a 1-1 draw in the first leg of their last-16 tie.
Inter Milan continued their impressive form by defeating Atletico Madrid 1-0, while PSV managed to rally and secure a 1-1 draw against Dortmund.
Some notable statistics emerged from the round-of-16 matches, showcasing the competitive nature of the tournament. Arsenal's struggles in the knockout stage were highlighted by their 5-game losing streak, with their last win dating back to March 2015. Porto's Galeano made history by scoring the fifth latest game winner in UCL knockout stage history, securing a crucial victory for his team.
Barcelona's Robert Lewandowski ended their goal drought in the knockout stage, scoring the team's first goal since March 2021. His impressive performance also brought him closer to the top UCL knockout stage goal scorers, with 31 goals to his name.
Napoli's Francesco Calzona made a significant debut as coach, becoming the first person to debut in a UEFA knockout stage match. Inter Milan extended their winning streak to 9 games, showcasing their dominance in all competitions.
Atlético Madrid's inability to record a shot on target for the first time in all competitions since April 2022 raised eyebrows, highlighting their struggles in the recent match. PSV's Luuk de Jong made history by becoming the top UCL goal scorer for PSV, surpassing Ruud van Nistelrooy.
Outside the UCL action, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi made their mark in other competitions. Ronaldo continued his scoring streak in the AFC Champions League, while Messi contributed to Inter Miami's success in the MLS season opener.
Overall, the UCL knockout stage provided fans with thrilling matches, standout performances, and intriguing statistics, setting the stage for more exciting football action in the upcoming fixtures.
