Bayern Edges Past Celtic As AC Milan And Atalanta Exit

Bayern Munich, Feyenoord, and Benfica emerged victorious, but not without facing significant challenges and heart-stopping moments.

Bayern Munich vs. Celtic

Bayern Munich edged past Celtic with a dramatic stoppage-time winner from Alphonso Davies. The Scottish champions had hoped to take the tie into extra time after Nicolas Kuhn’s opening goal at the Allianz Arena leveled the aggregate score at 2-2.

As the clock ticked down, Bayern Munich mounted relentless pressure in search of an equalizer. Their efforts culminated in a frantic final minute of added time.

After Kasper Schmeichel, Celtic’s goalkeeper, made a valiant attempt to deny Leon Goretzka’s header, it was Davies who reacted quickest, scrambling the rebound home from close range. This crucial goal not only secured a 1-1 draw on the night but also propelled Bayern into the last 16 with a 3-2 aggregate victory.

Feyenoord’s Upset of AC Milan

Feyenoord stunned seven-time champions AC Milan with a gritty performance at San Siro. The match began spectacularly for the Rossoneri, as Santiago Gimenez headed home in the first minute, leveling the aggregate score to 1-1.

Milan seemed poised to take control, with Theo Hernandez striking the post and applying pressure on the Feyenoord defense.

However, the tide turned dramatically when Hernandez received a second yellow card for diving, leaving Milan with ten men. In the 73rd minute, Julian Carranza’s header leveled the score for Feyenoord on the night, and despite a late red card for Givairo Read, Feyenoord held on to secure a 1-1 draw and advance on aggregate.

Club Brugge’s Triumph Over Atalanta

The evening was particularly grim for Italian football as Atalanta joined AC Milan in exiting the competition. Club Brugge delivered a commanding performance, with Chemsdine Talbi scoring twice to lead his side to a 3-1 victory at Gewiss Stadium.

Talbi’s goals in the third and 27th minutes put Brugge firmly in control, and Ferran Jutgla’s strike just before half-time left Atalanta trailing 3-0 on the night and 5-2 on aggregate.

Although Ademola Lookman pulled one back for Atalanta shortly after his introduction, a missed penalty by Lookman in the second half epitomized a frustrating evening for the hosts. With Rafael Toloi sent off late in the match, Atalanta’s hopes of a comeback were dashed.

Benfica Survives Scare Against Monaco

Benfica faced off against Monaco in a match that showed the resilience of the Portuguese side. After a 3-3 draw in Lisbon, Benfica managed to progress on aggregate, but not without a serious scare.

Kerem Akturkoglu opened the scoring for Benfica, but Monaco quickly turned the match around with goals from Takumi Minamino and Eliesse Ben Seghir. It looked as though Benfica might be heading out when Vangelis Pavlidis converted a penalty to level the aggregate score.

George Ilenikhena’s late goal gave Monaco the lead again, but Orkun Kokcu’s 84th-minute strike ensured Benfica’s place in the last 16.