A brilliant strike by Brahim Diaz propelled Real Madrid to a 2-1 win against local adversary Atletico in their Champions League round of 16 first-leg encounter on Tuesday.
The 15-time European champions have consistently held the upper hand against Atletico, who have managed just three victories in 11 UEFA competition encounters. Real Madrid had previously triumphed over Atletico in both their Champions League final meetings.
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A decisive moment of individual skill settled the tense match in the Spanish capital. Diaz secured Real Madrid’s victory by manoeuvring past several Atletico defenders before placing a precise low shot into the far corner in the 55th minute.
Atletico Madrid, under Diego Simeone, faced another disappointment against their city rivals, following previous final defeats in 2014 and 2016. They had also suffered eliminations in the knockout stages during the 2015 quarterfinals and 2017 semifinals.
At their home ground, Santiago Bernabeu stadium, Real Madrid opened the scoring through Rodrygo’s skilful effort. After receiving the ball on the wing, he moved into the penalty area, outpaced the defenders and placed a precise shot into the net.
Atletico’s patient approach yielded results in the 32nd minute through Julian Alvarez’s remarkable effort. The striker received possession on the left side, moved into the box and executed a brilliant curling shot beyond Thibaut Courtois, marking his seventh goal in the competition this season.
Arsenal rout PSV 7-1
Arsenal, making their Champions League comeback following a six-year hiatus, initially struggled before Jurrien Timber headed in against the flow of play, moments after PSV struck the frame of the goal.
The visitors subsequently took control of the match, establishing a three-goal advantage within thirty minutes.
Young talent Ethan Nwaneri, aged 17, extended the lead in the 21st minute following precise team coordination in the penalty area. Mikel Merino subsequently capitalised on PSV’s defensive disarray, scoring the third goal after multiple unsuccessful clearance attempts.
Prior to the interval, Thomas Partey’s unnecessary challenge on Luuk de Jong inside the penalty area provided PSV an opportunity, which Noa Lang successfully converted.
Following the break, PSV’s defence deteriorated. Arsenal’s skipper Martin Odegaard netted twice, whilst Leandro Trossard and Riccardo Calafiori contributed additional goals to secure a comprehensive victory.
Lille hold Dortmund
Borussia Dortmund, who finished second last season, find themselves in a balanced position against Lille following the first leg’s 1-1 stalemate, with Hakon Arnar Haraldsson securing the equaliser for the French side.
The German team had taken the lead when Karim Adeyemi struck from distance with a precise shot in the 22nd minute, but Canadian striker Jonathan David’s precise pass split the Dortmund defence in the 68th minute, allowing Haraldsson to score and restore parity.
Aston Villa get rare away win
Aston Villa overcame their struggles in away matches to win 3-1, while also benefiting from an own goal by Club Brugge.
The decisive moment occurred in the 82nd minute when Club Brugge’s Brandon Mechele inadvertently directed the ball past his own goalkeeper with the score level at 1-1. His attempt to block Morgan Rogers’ cross resulted in the ball finding its way into his own net.
The hosts, visibly affected by the own goal, subsequently conceded a penalty which substitute Marco Asensio successfully converted.
Prior to that, the Belgian team had displayed strong performance, dominated possession and generated superior opportunities in the second half.
Villa’s previous away record had been concerning, with two losses in the group stages of this competition, including one at Club Brugge. Their Premier League away performance also shows seven defeats in 13 matches.
Villa conceded an early advantage when Leon Bailey found the net within three minutes of kickoff. Club Brugge responded swiftly, equalising just two minutes later. A long pass caught Villa’s defence off guard, allowing Christos Tzolis to penetrate the box. His precise cut-back found Maxim De Cuyper unmarked, who struck cleanly with his left foot past Emiliano Martinez into the distant corner.
