An additional round of Champions League action before the round of 16 seemed enticing at first glance; however, with many of the leading teams already secure in their progression, could it provide the thrilling matchups anticipated? The answer has been decisively answered over the past fortnight, marked by significant upsets, a flurry of goals, and the unexpected exit of one of the tournament’s frontrunners.
The lesson from the Champions League playoffs is clear: teams that fought their way into the last 16 should not be underestimated—they possess the talent and determination needed to disrupt the favourites.
This isn’t mere rhetoric; clubs like Feyenoord, Benfica, and PSV had to push themselves to the limit to advance. Yet, they each performed at an exceptional level and seized their opportunities with precision.
Star-studded outfits like PSG and Real Madrid showcased their top-tier capabilities across the two legs. Despite a lukewarm showing in the group stages, both clubs have rediscovered their form at a pivotal moment of the season.
Star Player – Kylian Mbappe
Prior to Wednesday’s fixture, Ousmane Dembele was a strong contender for this accolade after his brilliant performance against Brest in the first leg.
However, Mbappe’s outstanding hat-trick in Madrid, following on from his goal in Manchester, made the selection straightforward.
Scoring his second hat-trick for the world’s premier club in the Champions League versus Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City is a testament to his intent. Mbappe appeared to settle into his element in Madrid some time ago, but his display last night showcased his ability on a global stage, making him the headline act.
While his goal in Manchester may have been a bit mishit, he made clean contact with all three of his strikes last night. When Mbappe is in the groove, he only needs the slightest opening to cause chaos for the defenders. This sort of instinctive finishing distinguishes the good players from the great.
As Erling Haaland sat on the bench, his rival Mbappe dazzled, making a deft touch to find space in front of goal within three minutes, putting Real ahead 1-0.
Mbappe was clearly enjoying himself.
Next, he displayed some dazzling footwork in the area following a beautiful pass from Rodrygo, finishing coolly to make it 2-0.
With a brace already registered, he was hungry for his hat-trick, and he duly completed it in the 61st minute, dancing past a defender before curling the ball into the bottom corner. It was now 3-0, and the hat-trick was in the bag.
The defending by Manchester City was once again abysmal, yet Mbappe capitalised on the opportunity, eliminating Real’s fiercest rivals in recent times.
This was a flawless display from a player who is rapidly establishing himself as the standout star in a squad overflowing with talent. Vini Jr. who?
Surprise Package – Club Brugge
This decision was a no-brainer. Few (myself included) believed Club Brugge stood much chance against an Atalanta side that appeared to be serious contenders earlier in the competition.
Atalanta’s season has taken a downturn recently, with their title hopes in Serie A trailing off and a disappointing end to the league phase leaving them with a playoff spot to contest. Nevertheless, they were still marked as heavy favourites; Brugge sat eight points behind Genk in the Belgian league and only just scraped into the playoffs.
A dramatic last-minute penalty from Gustaf Nilsson resulted in a surprise 2-1 win in Belgium, yet in the second leg at home, Atalanta would have been optimistic about their prospects.
In truth, Gasperini’s team should have cruised through after a second leg where Atalanta dominated possession and boasted a significantly higher expected goals (XG) tally. Statistically, they should have won 3-1; however, Brugge triumphed 3-1 to close the door on Atalanta’s Champions League journey.
The defining factor was straightforward: Atalanta squandered numerous opportunities while Brugge took theirs. Atalanta’s chances were frequently gilt-edged, whereas Brugge had far fewer chances but converted them with clinical finesse.
This was epitomised when teenager Chemsdine Talbi scored one of his two goals, using his agile footwork to carve out space inside the box before finding the bottom left corner. Talbi garnered the headlines for his brace, but it was Brugge’s efficiency on the road that truly separated the two teams.
While Brugge will remain underdogs for the duration of their competition run, they seem to take pride in this role—a scenario they are all too accustomed to.
Team Performance of the Playoffs – PSG
Although Real Madrid is certainly in contention for this title, PSG’s demolition of Brest over two legs deserves a special mention. In the first leg, PSG credited Ousmane Dembele for his stellar form, who netted a fantastic brace and took matters into his own hands.
Winning 3-0 at home, PSG approached the return leg in Paris with a comfortable cushion. Yet, instead of coasting, they went for the kill, mercilessly downing Brest in the city of love.
Starting strongly, with Bradley Barcola and the significant January signing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia ensuring a comfortable lead by half-time, PSG cranked it up a notch in the second half, culminating in five additional goals from different scorers, ending the match 7-0. According to Opta, this marked the first time in Champions League history that seven players found the net in a single match.
The 10-0 aggregate scoreline left Brest in utter humiliation—a club now wishing they never have to face PSG again after suffering a prior 5-2 defeat in Ligue 1 at the start of this tumultuous month for them.
Now, PSG can operate off the radar, despite the absence of Mbappe and past megastars. No gigantic egos or intense scrutiny on every misstep, plus a young, talented squad, under the guidance of one of Europe’s finest, equals a substantial threat.
Despite a rocky league phase, Luis Enrique’s side might not yet be viewed as a significant menace. However, if they maintain their momentum, they will certainly pose a formidable challenge to any opponent.
Moment of the Week – Gasperini Loses It at Lookman
Ademola Lookman’s missed penalty while Atalanta trailed Brugge 5-2 on aggregate might have seemed inconsequential. The home team still had half an hour left to find two more goals just to force extra time.
Nevertheless, if you watched that match, you could likely feel the shift in momentum and atmosphere, leading one to suspect that miss could have been a defining moment. Indeed, it signalled the final blow to Atalanta’s hopes.
Yet, no one was prepared for Gian Piero Gasperini’s backlash against Lookman post-match.
The usually outspoken manager was seething at the wide attacker, remarking to journalists: “Lookman is one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen.”
“He insisted on taking the penalty after scoring a goal, disregarding Retegui and De Keteleare, who were also ready to take it… I was not a fan of Lookman’s actions.”
While Lookman’s choice to take the penalty over regular takers Retegui and De Keteleare appeared questionable, the decision was ultimately a team matter. Thus, Gasperini’s personal attack on Lookman was surprising.
Comments like that (regardless of context) expose the speaker to strong reactions from the player.
Lookman responded this afternoon with a statement of his own.
According to Fabrizio Romano, plans for a mutual parting of ways this summer were already in motion, but the remarks from last night likely extinguish any hopes for a reconciliation.
Lookman stands as Atalanta’s finest talent and Europa League final hero, yet Gasperini seems prepared to let him go over a missed penalty?
The situation is perplexing, especially since Gasperini is astute and has previously showered Lookman with praise.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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