.jpeg)
The UEFA Champions League returned with exciting Round of 16 encounters on March 5, 2025, as top European clubs battled for a spot in the quarterfinals.
The night featured four highly anticipated clashes: Feyenoord vs. Inter Milan, Bayern Munich vs. Bayer Leverkusen, Benfica vs. Barcelona, and Paris Saint-Germain vs. Liverpool. Fans worldwide enjoyed an action-packed evening filled with drama, goals, and tactical brilliance.
Feyenoord, known for their attacking style, faced a disciplined Inter Milan side at De Kuip in Rotterdam.
The hosts started aggressively, but Inter's strong defense, led by Alessandro Bastoni and Stefan de Vrij, held firm.
Lautaro Martinez opened the scoring for Inter in the 25th minute, and Nicolo Barella doubled the lead in the second half with a stunning long-range strike. Despite a late goal from Santiago Gimenez, Inter secured a crucial 2-1 away victory.
In an all-German showdown at the Allianz Arena, Bayern Munich took early control through Harry Kane’s 15th-minute goal.
Leverkusen responded well, with Florian Wirtz assisting Victor Boniface for an equalizer before halftime.
Bayern’s experience proved vital in the second half, as Jamal Musiala restored their lead, and Joshua Kimmich sealed a 3-1 win with a late goal.
Benfica hosted Barcelona at the Estadio da Luz in a battle of former champions. The home side started strongly, with Joao Mario scoring in the 12th minute.
Barcelona struggled early but grew into the game, with Robert Lewandowski leveling before halftime. The second half saw both sides create chances, but Raphinha’s 87th-minute goal gave Barcelona a 2-1 victory.
The most anticipated match of the night took place at the Parc des Princes, where PSG and Liverpool delivered a thrilling contest.
Kylian Mbappe put PSG ahead in the 10th minute, but Mohamed Salah equalized soon after. The game remained intense, with Vitinha restoring PSG’s lead and Darwin Nunez leveling for Liverpool in the 75th minute.
Just when a draw seemed likely, Mbappe’s stoppage-time strike secured a dramatic 3-2 win for PSG.
These results set up exciting second-leg encounters, with Inter, Bayern, Barcelona, and PSG holding advantages.
With the unpredictability of the Champions League, the return fixtures promise even more drama and excitement.