March 5, 2025
In a thrilling night of UEFA Champions League action, Liverpool delivered a stunning late victory in Paris, while Bayern München showed their dominance with a comfortable win over Leverkusen. Barcelona and Inter also secured crucial first-leg advantages in their respective ties.
Paris 0-1 Liverpool
Liverpool stunned Paris Saint-Germain in the French capital with a dramatic 1-0 victory. Despite facing relentless pressure from the hosts, Arne Slot’s side held firm, thanks to an extraordinary performance from goalkeeper Alisson Becker. The Brazilian shot-stopper produced a string of vital saves, denying PSG’s Ousmane Dembélé and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in the first half, before thwarting another dangerous free-kick from the latter in the second.
In the 87th minute, Harvey Elliott made the most of his substitute appearance, scoring the only goal of the match with a first-time finish from Darwin Núñez’s pass. The result gives Liverpool a precious advantage heading into the second leg at Anfield next week.
Player of the Match: Alisson Becker (Liverpool)
Second Leg: March 11 – Liverpool vs Paris
Bayern München 3-0 Bayer Leverkusen
Bayern München set a strong foundation for progression to the quarter-finals with a commanding 3-0 win against Bundesliga rivals Bayer Leverkusen. Harry Kane opened the scoring early with a header, and despite Jamal Musiala hitting the crossbar before halftime, the hosts remained in control.
Musiala found the back of the net after the break when Leverkusen goalkeeper Matěj Kovář spilled a shot, and shortly after, Nordi Mukiele was sent off for a reckless challenge. Kane sealed the win with a penalty late in the game, giving Bayern a commanding advantage before the return leg.
Player of the Match: Harry Kane (Bayern München)
Second Leg: March 11 – Bayer Leverkusen vs Bayern München
Benfica 0-1 Barcelona
Barcelona survived a tense clash against Benfica, securing a narrow 1-0 win despite being reduced to ten men. Pau Cubarsí’s first-half red card left Barcelona to play with a man down for much of the match, but they struck decisively just after the hour mark. Raphinha pounced on a misplaced pass and fired a low shot that deflected into the net.
Benfica tried to respond, but Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny was in inspired form, making a series of key saves, including a brilliant stop to deny Renato Sanches late on.
Player of the Match: Pedri (Barcelona)
Second Leg: March 11 – Barcelona vs Benfica
Feyenoord 0-2 Inter Milan
Inter Milan took control of their tie against Feyenoord with a comfortable 2-0 victory in Rotterdam. The Nerazzurri kept their eighth Champions League clean sheet of the season, with Marcus Thuram breaking the deadlock in the 38th minute with a stretching volley from Nicolò Barella’s cross.
Lautaro Martínez doubled Inter’s lead early in the second half, firing in his sixth goal of the competition. Feyenoord could have pulled one back but saw a penalty saved by Inter goalkeeper Timon Wellenreuther, leaving the visitors in a strong position going into the second leg.
Player of the Match: Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan)
Second Leg: March 11 – Inter Milan vs Feyenoord
As the first leg of the round of 16 comes to a close, Bayern, Barcelona, and Inter all hold significant advantages, while Liverpool’s dramatic late win in Paris has given them a slight edge heading into the return leg. The second legs promise more excitement next week as the quest for Champions League glory continues.