The UEFA Champions League returned on Valentine’s Day to the excitement of football lovers all over the world. The highly anticipated and long-awaited knockout stage of the elite European league finally kicked off with two matches on February 14 and two more matches the day after.
The Tuesday, February 14 blockbuster clash between French giants Paris Saint-Germain and German champions Bayern Munich at the Parc des Princes ended 0-1 with the visitors emerging victorious.
Former PSG star Kingsley Coman downed his old club with a 53rd-minute strike to secure a narrow victory for his new side.
He, however, refused to celebrate as a mark of respect for his erstwhile home.
In the other Tuesday’s Champions League fixture at San Siro, AC Milan also pipped English outfit, Tottenham Hotspur 1-0. Former Manchester City midfielder, Brahim Díaz’s early goal proved to be the winner.
Another English side, Chelsea fell to defeat at Dortmund in their Champions League last-16 first leg on Wednesday.
Again, Borussia Dortmund’s Karim Adeyemi’s sublime finish proved to be the lone goal at Signal Iduna Park.
The other Wednesday night encounter between Belgian champions, Club Brugge, and Portuguese giants, Benfica at Jan Breydel Stadium saw the visitors taking all the points.
Joao Mario broke the deadlock for Benfica from the spot in the 51st minute after a series of missed chances.
David Neres doubled the visitors’ advantage with just two minutes left to seal a 0-2 victory over the Belgians.
The UCL knockout stage action will return next week with Real Madrid traveling to Liverpool on Tuesday, February 22 as Eintracht Frankfurt play host to Italian leaders, Napoli.
On Wednesday, February 23, RB Leipzig will welcome Manchester City, and Inter Milan will host FC Porto.
