ANI
12 Mar 2026, 08:28 GMT+10
Madrid [Spain], March 12 (ANI): Several European heavyweights delivered commanding performances as the Round of 16 first-leg matches of the UEFA Champions League produced high-scoring contests and dramatic finishes across Europe this week.
Spanish giants, Real Madrid, thrashed Premier League giants Manchester City 3-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Federico Valverde starred with a hat-trick as Real Madrid capitalised on defensive lapses against Man City to secure a commanding advantage heading into the second leg of the ongoing Round of 16 in the UCL.
Meanwhile, defending champions Paris Saint-Germain produced an attacking masterclass to beat Chelsea FC 5-2 at the Parc des Princes. PSG outclass Chelsea's defence, scoring five goals to put one foot firmly in the quarter-finals of the competition.
On the other hand, Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich also enjoyed a dominant outing, outclassing Atalanta BC 6-1 away from home. Bayern's ruthless attacking display left the Italian side with a mountain to climb ahead of the return leg.
In another surprise result, Norwegian side FK Bod/Glimt beat Sporting CP 2-0 at home to gain a valuable advantage in the tie.
The second-leg matches of the Round of 16 will be played next week, with teams battling for a place in the quarter-finals as Europe's premier club competition moves closer to its final scheduled for May in Budapest.
Previously, FC Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid registered emphatic victories, while Liverpool FC suffered a shock defeat and FC Barcelona were held to a draw in their respective first-leg encounters. Bayern Munich produced the standout performance of the night, thrashing Atalanta BC 6-1 in Bergamo.
The German giants dominated from the outset, racing to a three-goal lead within the opening 25 minutes through strikes from Josip Stanisic, Michael Olise and Serge Gnabry.
Bayern maintained their attacking momentum after the break, with Nicolas Jackson, Jamal Musiala and Olise adding further goals to seal a commanding victory and place the Bundesliga champions in a strong position ahead of the second leg.
In Madrid, Atletico delivered another dominant display as they defeated Tottenham Hotspur 5-2. Diego Simeone's side capitalised on defensive errors from the Premier League club, with Julian Alvarez scoring twice during a blistering attacking performance. (ANI)
Get a daily dose of Cardiff Star news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Cardiff Star.
More InformationDHAKA, Bangladesh: Garment shipments bound for major global retailers, including Zara owner Inditex, are piling up at airports in Bangladesh...
WASHINGTON DC, March 8 (ANI): United States President Donald Trump on Saturday (U.S. local time) sharply criticised United Kingdom...
Madrid [Spain], March 12 (ANI): Several European heavyweights delivered commanding performances as the Round of 16 first-leg matches...
(Photo credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images) World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz was dominant on his serve during a 6-1, 7-6 (2) win over...
(Photo credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images) Defending champion Rory McIlroy will be a game-time decision on Thursday at The Players...
From Jewish street-corner preachers, to Christian high-ranking officials, many believe the conflict has been prophesized The war...
The health crisis in Iran and across the Middle East is escalating rapidly, reported Hanan Balkhy, WHO's Regional Director for the...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: Kari Lake, President Donald Trump's choice to lead the U.S. Agency for Global Media, did not have legal authority...
KANSAS CITY, Missouri: The Kansas City International Airport terminal was shut in the morning and evacuated for a potential threat...
STOCKHOLM, Sweden: Europe has overtaken other regions to become the world's largest importer of arms over the past five years, as governments...
The United States has once again launched a war in the Middle East based on false claims about weapons of mass destruction. Like the...
MEXICO CITY, Mexico: To quell any security concerns ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup, following the wave of violence in Jalisco...
