Champions League: Real Madrid, PSG, Dortmund, and PSV Secure Last 16 Spots

By: Gyang Dakwo

The UEFA Champions League round of 16 is set, with Borussia Dortmund, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), PSV Eindhoven, and Real Madrid clinching the final four spots in a thrilling conclusion to the knockout phase play-offs. Kylian Mbappé stole the show with a stunning hat-trick, while PSV secured a dramatic extra-time victory, and PSG delivered a historic performance.

Real Madrid 3-1 Manchester City (Agg: 6-3)
Kylian Mbappé cemented his status as one of the world’s best with a sensational hat-trick, propelling Real Madrid into the last 16 at Manchester City’s expense. The French forward opened the scoring in the fourth minute with a sublime lob from Raúl Asencio’s long pass. He doubled the lead just after the half-hour mark with a dazzling solo effort and completed his treble in the 61st minute with a precise low curler. Nico González managed a late consolation goal for City, but it was too little, too late. Notably, Erling Haaland, who scored twice in the first leg, remained on the bench as City bowed out.

PSV 3-1 Juventus (Agg: 4-3)
PSV Eindhoven secured their first Champions League knockout victory since 2007 in dramatic fashion, thanks to Ryan Flamingo’s extra-time winner. The match came alive in the second half when Ivan Perišić leveled the tie with a clinical finish from a Noa Lang assist. Timothy Weah’s thunderous strike briefly restored Juventus’s aggregate lead, but Ismael Saibari’s close-range effort sent the game into extra time. Flamingo capitalized on a defensive clearance to slot home the decisive goal, sending PSV through in thrilling fashion.

PSG 7-0 Brest (Agg: 10-0)
Paris Saint-Germain delivered a historic performance, cruising past Ligue 1 rivals Brest with a record-equaling aggregate victory. PSG became the first team in Champions League history to have seven different scorers in a single match. Bradley Barcola opened the scoring, followed by Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s maiden European goal for the club. Vitinha, Désiré Doué, Nuno Mendes, Gonçalo Ramos, and substitute Senny Mayulu all found the net in a dominant display that sealed PSG’s place in the next round.

Borussia Dortmund 0-0 Sporting CP (Agg: 3-0)
Borussia Dortmund advanced comfortably with a measured performance against Sporting CP, holding the Portuguese side at bay after a 3-0 first-leg advantage. Sporting struggled to create chances, while Dortmund came close to scoring through Marcel Sabitzer and Serhou Guirassy, whose penalty was saved by Rui Silva. Giovanni Reyna also hit the woodwork, but the hosts’ defensive discipline ensured a smooth passage to the round of 16.

Looking Ahead
The stage is now set for the Champions League round of 16, with Europe’s elite teams ready to battle for glory. Real Madrid, PSG, Dortmund, and PSV join the likes of Bayern Munich, Liverpool, and Barcelona in what promises to be an electrifying knockout phase. Football fans worldwide eagerly await the next chapter in this season’s thrilling competition.