Sports
Real Madrid Edge Benfica 2–1 to Reach Champions League Knockouts
Spanish giants Real Madrid fought back from an early setback to defeat Benfica 2–1, securing a 3–1 aggregate victory and a place in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16.
The visitors stunned the Santiago Bernabéu in the 14th minute when Rafa Silva fired home to hand Benfica an early lead, momentarily silencing the Madrid faithful. However, Carlo Ancelotti’s men responded almost immediately.
Midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni restored parity just two minutes later with a thunderous long-range effort that left the goalkeeper with no chance. The strike shifted the momentum firmly in Madrid’s favour and earned the Frenchman Man of the Match honours.
Real Madrid continued to press, dominating possession and probing Benfica’s defensive lines. Their persistence paid off when Vinícius Júnior produced a moment of brilliance, weaving past defenders before calmly finishing to seal the 2–1 win on the night.
Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois also played a crucial role, producing several important saves to deny Benfica any hope of a comeback. His commanding presence between the posts ensured Madrid maintained control during tense moments of the encounter.
With the victory, Real Madrid now turn their attention to Friday’s Round of 16 draw, where speculation is already mounting about a possible showdown with reigning English champions Manchester City.
The Spanish side, record winners of Europe’s elite competition, will be confident as they continue their pursuit of another Champions League crown.
Manchester United continued their strong Premier League form on Sunday by coming from behind to beat Crystal Palace 2–1 at Old Trafford. The Red Devils fell behind early to Maxence Lacroix’s header but turned the game around in the second half. Bruno Fernandes scored a penalty and later set up Benjamin Šeško for the winner.
The victory lifted United up to third place in the Premier League table, their best position since May 2023, and kept alive their push for a Champions League spot.
United’s unbeaten streak in the Premier League now stretches to 10 games under interim manager Michael Carrick; a run that has included a series of wins and draws and made them one of the division’s most in-form teams this season.
Arsenal F.C. held on to claim a crucial 2–1 victory in a dramatic and tension-filled encounter on Sunday, sealing all three points in a match that had everything; goals, controversy, and a red card.
The visitors struck first through defender William Saliba, who found the back of the net to give Arsenal an early advantage. The hosts responded through Pedro Neto, whose equalizer reignited the contest and shifted momentum briefly in their favour.
However, the afternoon took another dramatic turn when Neto was later shown a red card, reducing the home side to ten men and complicating their comeback hopes.
Arsenal capitalized on the numerical advantage, with Jurriën Timber scoring what proved to be the decisive goal to restore the visitors’ lead.
Despite late pressure from the hosts, Arsenal remained composed to see out the game and ensure that all three points travelled back to North London.
The result strengthens Arsenal’s position as they continue their campaign with renewed momentum.
Manchester City will rekindle their rivalry with Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League last 16 after Fridays draw in Nyon, Switzerland. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that this will be their sixth knockout meeting since the 2019/2020 Champions League season. Manchester City edged the 15-time European champions 2-1 during Decembers group stage clash, setting the stage for another heavyweight showdown many observers have likened to a final.
Defending champions Paris Saint-Germain will confront Chelsea in a repeat of last seasons heated Club World Cup final won by the English side. Both teams expressed confidence ahead of the tie. Premier League leaders Arsenal face Bayer Leverkusen after topping the league phase with eight straight victories to avoid Europes biggest heavyweights.
Bayern Munich, runners-up in the group stage, take on Atalanta, who eliminated Borussia Dortmund via a stoppage-time penalty in the playoffs. Elsewhere, Newcastle United meet Barcelona again, while Liverpool battle Galatasaray. Struggling Tottenham Hotspur face Atletico Madrid as Norways giant-killers Bodo/Glimt square off against Sporting Lisbon.
The last-16 fixtures are as follows: Real Madrid v Manchester City; Bodo/Glimt v Sporting; Paris Saint-Germain v Chelsea; Newcastle United v Barcelona; Galatasaray v Liverpool; Atletico Madrid v Tottenham Hotspur; Atalanta v Bayern Munich; and Bayer Leverkusen v Arsenal. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that quarter-final and semi-final pairings were also confirmed, with potential blockbuster clashes awaiting as Europes elite chase Champions League glory.