Bayern, Atletico close to Champions League quarter-finals as Galatasaray edge Liverpool
UEFA Champions League heavyweights FC Bayern Munich and Atlético de Madrid moved closer to the quarter-finals after dominant victories in the first legs of their round of 16 matches on Tuesday night.
However, the other two ties remain open after Galatasaray SK defeated Liverpool FC 1-0 in Istanbul, while FC Barcelona rescued a late draw against Newcastle United FC.
Bayern thrash Atalanta
FC Bayern Munich produced a ruthless performance to crush Atalanta BC 6-1 away from home.
Josip Stanišić opened the scoring with a simple finish before Serge Gnabry and Michael Olise struck quick goals to give the German side a 3-0 lead inside the first 25 minutes.
The visitors continued their attacking display after the break as Nicolas Jackson scored on a swift counterattack. Olise then curled home his second goal of the night before substitute Jamal Musiala added a sixth.
Mario Pašalić managed to score a late consolation goal for Atalanta in added time, but the Italian side now face a very difficult task in the second leg.
Olise was named Player of the Match after his impressive display.
Galatasaray edge Liverpool
Galatasaray SK secured a slim advantage ahead of the return leg at Anfield after a 1-0 victory over Liverpool FC.
Mario Lemina scored the only goal of the match in the seventh minute with a powerful header.
The goal came after Victor Osimhen redirected a corner from Gabriel Sara into Lemina’s path.
Both sides created several chances in a fast and lively contest, with Florian Wirtz and Davinson Sánchez going close for the Turkish champions.
Liverpool pushed harder in the second half, but Alexis Mac Allister fired just wide while Hugo Ekitiké was denied by goalkeeper Uğurcan Çakır.
Lemina was named Player of the Match.
Barcelona rescue draw at Newcastle
FC Barcelona earned a dramatic 1-1 draw against Newcastle United FC thanks to a late penalty from Lamine Yamal.
Newcastle had looked set for victory when Harvey Barnes scored in the 86th minute with a first-time strike after a precise cross from Jacob Murphy.
Barnes had earlier hit the post with a curling effort as the home side created the better chances.
But in stoppage time, Malick Thiaw fouled Dani Olmo inside the box, and Yamal calmly converted the penalty, sending goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale the wrong way.
Barnes was named Player of the Match.
Atletico punish Tottenham
Atlético de Madrid put themselves in a strong position after defeating Tottenham Hotspur FC 5-2.
The Spanish side stunned Tottenham with four goals in just 22 minutes. Marcos Llorente, Julián Alvarez and Antoine Griezmann all scored after defensive mistakes from the visitors.
Robin Le Normand also found the net after goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario pushed out a corner.
Pedro Porro and Dominic Solanke scored for Tottenham, but Alvarez added his second goal after a quick counterattack to seal the win.
Alvarez was named Player of the Match.
Other matches
Other round of 16 matches will take place on Wednesday as Bayer 04 Leverkusen host Arsenal FC, while FK Bodø/Glimt face Sporting CP.
Paris Saint-Germain FC will also take on Chelsea FC, while defending champions Real Madrid CF meet Manchester City FC.
The second-leg matches will be played next week as teams battle for places in the quarter-finals of the competition.
