In a thrilling night of UEFA Champions League action, Bayern Munich, Benfica, Club Brugge, and Feyenoord secured their places in the round of 16. Among the key highlights, AC Milan’s hopes were dashed when they were eliminated, falling reactively to a red card issued to Theo Hernández in their match against Feyenoord.
AC Milan, aiming for a comeback after losing 1-0 in the first leg, took an early lead in their home match when Christian Pulisic assisted Santiago Giménez for a goal just a minute into the second half. However, the match shifted dramatically as Hernández received a second yellow card, reducing Milan to 10 men. Feyenoord capitalized on this opportunity, with Julián Carranza equalizing shortly after, resulting in a 1-1 draw and a 2-1 aggregate win for the Dutch side. This disappointing exit marks the second consecutive year that AC Milan will not participate in the round of 16, underscoring their challenging trajectory in recent Champions League seasons.
Meanwhile, Celtic experienced heartbreak as they nearly extended their match against Bayern Munich into extra time. The American duo of Cameron Carter-Vickers and Auston Trusty showcased strong defense, but a last-minute own goal kept Celtic from advancing, ending their European campaign. In a silver lining, both players strengthened their prospects for selection in the USMNT’s upcoming Concacaf Nations League match.
In other matches, Club Brugge stunned Atalanta with a commanding performance, winning the aggregate score 5-2. Their early goals set the tone, allowing them to progress confidently. Benfica, too, managed to advance despite a challenging match against Monaco, relying on timely goals to secure their position.
As the stage is set for the round of 16, excitement builds for the upcoming matchups. Supporters look forward to seeing how these teams adapt and strategize against formidable opponents, including potential clashes with giants like Barcelona and Liverpool. The draw for the round of 16 will reveal the next steps on Friday, promising more exhilarating soccer in the weeks ahead.
This underlines the unpredictable nature of the Champions League, where every match can be a defining moment for clubs and players alike, showcasing just how competitive and thrilling the tournament can be.