New Delhi: The first leg of the Champions League playoffs for the round of 16 wrapped up with a night of drama across Europe. Club Brugge, Bayern Munich, and Benfica all secured crucial wins, giving them an edge heading into next week’s decisive return fixtures. Brugge snatched a stoppage-time victory over Atalanta, while Bayern held off a late Celtic push to win in Glasgow. Benfica edged past 10-man Monaco to take control of their tie. With places in the last 16 at stake, the second legs promise high-stakes football as teams fight to keep their Champions League hopes alive.
Club Brugge 2-1 Atalanta BC
Oh, what a game! All to play for next week! ✨👊 #CLUATA #UCL #PlayForUnforgettable pic.twitter.com/X3VaqJyB5D
— Club Brugge KV (@ClubBrugge) February 12, 2025
A stoppage-time penalty from Gustaf Nilsson gave Club Brugge a dramatic 2-1 win over Atalanta in their Champions League playoff first leg. The Belgian side took the lead early when Ferran Jutgla finished off a cutback from Chemsdine Talbi. Atalanta responded just before half-time, with Mario Pasalic heading in Davide Zappacosta’s cross.
The visitors nearly went ahead after the break, but Simon Mignolet made a superb save to deny Zappacosta before Lazar Samardzic missed the target. Brugge pushed for a winner, and in stoppage time, Nilsson won a controversial penalty after minimal contact from Isak Hien. The Swedish striker made no mistake from the spot, securing a crucial advantage for Brugge.
Atalanta, who finished ninth in the league phase, now need a strong performance in the return leg to keep their Champions League hopes alive.
Celtic 1-2 Bayern Munich
Victory in Glasgow! 💪
💫 #CELFCB #UCL 💫 pic.twitter.com/xyGpCZUpz7
— FC Bayern (@FCBayernEN) February 12, 2025
Bayern Munich held on for a 2-1 win at Celtic Park, securing just their second Champions League victory this season. Michael Olise’s stunning first-half strike put the visitors ahead before Harry Kane doubled the lead with a well-taken volley after the break.
Celtic thought they had a penalty when Dayot Upamecano made contact with Arne Engels, but VAR ruled it a fair challenge. The hosts kept pushing, and Daizen Maeda pulled one back in the 79th minute after a scrappy corner. Celtic pressed for a late equaliser, but Bayern defended well to see out the win.
The two sides meet again in Munich next week, with Bayern focused on their upcoming Bundesliga clash against Bayer Leverkusen.
Monaco 0-1 Benfica
🤩 𝐖𝐈𝐍 in the #UCL play-off 1st leg!#ASMSLB pic.twitter.com/ZpDeK7JbQr
— SL Benfica (@slbenfica_en) February 12, 2025
Benfica secured a crucial 1-0 win over 10-man Monaco in their Champions League playoff first leg. Vangelis Pavlidis scored the only goal early in the second half with a delicate chip past Radoslaw Majecki.
Monaco had more possession but struggled to create chances, and their night got worse when Moatasem al-Musrati received a second yellow card just minutes after the opener. Majecki made a brilliant save to deny Pavlidis later, but the hosts never really looked like finding an equaliser.
Benfica now have the advantage heading into the second leg, with a potential clash against Barcelona or Liverpool in the last 16 on the line.
Feyenoord 1-0 AC Milan
This is what we stand for! ❤️🔥#feyacm • #UCL pic.twitter.com/DKbMeADg0u
— Feyenoord Rotterdam (@Feyenoord) February 12, 2025
Igor Paixao’s early strike secured a 1-0 victory for Feyenoord, leaving Milan with plenty of work to do in the return leg at San Siro.
The Brazilian winger found the net inside the opening minutes with a speculative effort that bounced awkwardly in front of Mike Maignan, who could only parry the ball into his own net. Milan struggled to create clear-cut chances, with Tijjani Reijnders missing an early opportunity and João Félix failing to test the Feyenoord goalkeeper from range.
Rafael Leão had a strong penalty appeal turned down, while Paixão continued to cause problems, hitting the crossbar with another long-range effort. Milan’s best spell came in the second half, but Feyenoord’s high intensity and pressing kept them at bay. Samuel Chukwueze came closest with a powerful strike, but Wellenreuther stood firm.
With the narrow defeat, Milan will need a vastly improved display next week to overturn the deficit at home.
The Champions League playoffs saw Club Brugge, Bayern Munich, and Benfica secure vital first-leg wins. With last-16 spots at stake, the second legs promise intense battles and high-stakes drama next week. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
