UCL Review: Salah and Kane Reach Milestones as Barca, Liverpool and Bayern Power into Quarterfinals

The UEFA Champions League round of 16 concluded in spectacular fashion on Wednesday night, with Barcelona, Liverpool and Bayern München all producing emphatic second-leg victories, while Atlético Madrid held off Tottenham’s spirited fightback to secure their place in the last eight.

At the Camp Nou, Barcelona overwhelmed Newcastle United 7-2 on the night, 8-3 on aggregate, thanks to a dazzling second-half display.

After a frenetic first half in which Anthony Elanga twice equalised for the visitors, Lamine Yamal’s stoppage-time penalty gave Barça a 3-2 lead at the break.

The hosts then ran riot, with Fermín López racing clear to score, Robert Lewandowski adding a brace, and Raphinha capping the rout with his second goal. Raphinha was named Player of the Match for his decisive contribution.

In Munich, Bayern swept aside Atalanta 4-1 to complete a 10-2 aggregate triumph. Harry Kane struck twice, the second his 50th Champions League goal, before Lennart Karl and Luis Díaz added further gloss.

Lazar Samardžić netted a late consolation for the Italians, but Bayern’s dominance was never in doubt. Kane’s milestone performance earned him Player of the Match honours.

Liverpool overturned a first-leg deficit with a commanding 4-0 win over Galatasaray at Anfield.

Mohamed Salah reached 50 Champions League goals with a sublime curling strike, becoming the first African to hit the landmark. Dominik Szoboszlai had earlier levelled the tie, while Salah also set up Hugo Ekitiké before Ryan Gravenberch added a third.

Salah’s missed penalty did little to dampen the mood as Liverpool marched into a quarter-final clash with Paris Saint-Germain. Szoboszlai was named Player of the Match for his influential display.

Tottenham edged Atlético 3-2 in London but fell short 7-5 on aggregate. Randal Kolo Muani and Julián Alvarez traded goals before Xavi Simons restored Spurs’ lead with a curling strike.

Dávid Hancko’s header effectively ended the contest, though Simons converted a late penalty to give Spurs victory on the night. Simons was named Player of the Match, but Atleti advanced to face Barcelona in the next round.

The quarter-final line-up is now set: Paris Saint-Germain vs Liverpool, Real Madrid vs Bayern, Barcelona vs Atlético Madrid, and Sporting CP vs Arsenal. The knockout phase continues in April, with the final scheduled for May 30 in Budapest.