Real Madrid controversially beat city rivals Atletico 4-2 on penalties to reach the Champions League quarterfinals following an enthralling round-of-16 tie which ended 2-2 on aggregate after extra time. Julian Alvarez had a penalty dramatically ruled out in the shootout paving the way for Antonio Rudiger to convert the winning spot kick.
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Liverpool’s Champions League ambitions were ended after they lost on penalties to an outstanding Paris Saint Germain side after a night of drama at Anfield. PSG, needing to claw back a 1-0 deficit from the first leg at home, demonstrated how they have matured under coach Luis Enrique as they knocked out a Liverpool side touted as favourites to win the tournament. Ousmane Dembele’s early goal provided the platform for the turnaround with the Parisians holding their nerve from 12 yards.
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Raphinha scored twice and Lamine Yamal netted a stunning strike as a superb Barcelona dismantled Benfica 3-1 in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on Tuesday, advancing to the quarter-finals with a 4-1 aggregate victory. It was an inspired evening for teenager Yamal who was virtually unplayable running up and down the right channel, creating most of Barca’s scoring chances.
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Liverpool completed one of the biggest smash and grabs in Champions League history to come away from their last-16 first leg against Paris St-Germain with a win. PSG completely dominated the game, with 27 shots, and Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson had to make nine saves. But the hosts could not find an opener – and the Reds scored with their second shot of the night in the 87th minute.
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Real Madrid’s Brahim Diaz scored a second-half winner as the hosts edged out neighbours Atletico Madrid 2-1 in a scrappy first leg of their Champions League Round of 16 tie on Tuesday after Julian Alvarez had cancelled out Rodrygo’s opener. It was a stuttering capital derby between bitter rivals who at times looked to be playing within themselves, seemingly conserving some energy for what is likely to be a compelling return leg.
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