After the conclusion of the playoff second legs, the winners of the aggregate ties joined the eight best teams from the league phase, completing the lineup of 16 teams for the Champions League Round of 16. The most high-profile match was played by Juventus and Galatasaray: the Turin side won 3-2 after extra time but were eliminated on aggregate. UEFA announced the draw for the pairs in Nyon, which will set the path for Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atlético, and PSG, among others, to the quarter-finals.

Juventus won but were eliminated

In Turin, Juventus won 3-2 after extra time, but Galatasaray advanced thanks to their advantage from the first match, concluding the aggregate tie with a 7-5 score.

Complete set of 16 teams

Media in France, Spain, Italy, and Poland confirm that the Round of 16 lineup is now full, concluding the playoff stage and opening the knockout phase.

Draw in Nyon

UEFA is organizing the draw for the Round of 16 pairs in Nyon, with television broadcast and streaming; editorial teams are publishing lists of possible opponents for top clubs.

Spanish contingent under scrutiny

Spanish services analyze scenarios for Barcelona, Real, and Atlético, including the probability of major matches and limitations arising from the draw regulations.

German concerns about Bayern

Commentary in Germany draws attention to Bayer Leverkusen and the risk of another confrontation with Bayern, which could translate into an exceptionally intense series of matches.

The playoff second legs determined the remaining participants for the Champions League Round of 16 and simultaneously fueled discussion about potential blockbuster matchups in the draw. The most dramatic emotions came from the match in Turin: Juventus beat Galatasaray 3-2 after extra time, however – according to reports from Reuters, BBC, and French media – they did not overturn the deficit from the first leg and were eliminated. Some sources emphasize that the hosts were leading 3-0, but ultimately the Turkish team managed to preserve their aggregate advancement. 7:5 — aggregate score The European Cup was established in 1955 and was transformed into the Champions League in 1992. Since then, UEFA has repeatedly changed the competition format to increase the number of matches and the value of television rights, while preserving the knockout phase as a key stage of the competition. After completing the list of 16 teams, attention shifted to the draw for the Round of 16 in Nyon, widely announced by Italian, Spanish, and English-language media. Articles consistently indicate that Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Atlético remain in the competition, among others, and in England, interest is sparked by potential matchups with Tottenham. German commentary focuses on Bayer Leverkusen and the risk of another clash with Bayern Munich, which in practice would mean a series of matches against the same opponent also on the domestic front. Meanwhile, some services recall the PSG storyline and its uncertain situation in the aggregate tie with AS Monaco, describing the thin line between advancement and elimination. Coverage of the draw also focuses on the seeding rules and on which pairings are formally possible. Some editorial teams highlight the potential for blockbuster clashes, such as battles between giants from England, Spain, France, and Germany, while others emphasize the sporting-financial aspect: the Round of 16 is a stage where not only results are at stake, but also bonuses and revenue from media rights. In the background, the topic of the top scorers' ranking also surfaces, in which – as noted by Polish services – the situation of leading strikers, including Robert Lewandowski, remains an important element of the season's narrative.

Mentioned People

  • Robert Lewandowski — Mentioned in the context of the Champions League top scorers' ranking.