Published on 11 March 2026
UEFA Champions League action delivered thrilling first-leg encounters in the round of 16 on Tuesday night, with dominant victories for FC Bayern Munich and Atlético Madrid, while Galatasaray S.K. edged Liverpool F.C. and FC Barcelona salvaged a late draw against Newcastle United F.C..
Bayern produced a ruthless display to thrash Atalanta B.C. 6–1 away, putting one foot firmly in the quarter-finals.
Michael Olise was the standout performer with two goals, while Serge Gnabry, Nicolas Jackson and Jamal Musiala were also on target after Josip Stanišić opened the scoring early. Mario Pašalić netted a late consolation for the Italian side.
In Istanbul, Victor Osimhen helped inspire Galatasaray to a narrow 1–0 victory over Liverpool. The Nigerian striker redirected a corner into the path of Mario Lemina, who headed home in the seventh minute. Liverpool pressed for an equaliser, but goalkeeper Uğurcan Çakır produced crucial saves to secure the advantage ahead of the return leg at Anfield.
At St James’ Park, Barcelona snatched a dramatic 1–1 draw against Newcastle. Harvey Barnes looked to have secured a late win for the hosts with a close-range finish four minutes from time, but teenage star Lamine Yamal converted an added-time penalty after a foul on Dani Olmo.
Meanwhile in Madrid, Atlético overwhelmed Tottenham Hotspur F.C. 5–2 in a pulsating encounter. Julián Alvarez scored twice, while Marcos Llorente, Antoine Griezmann and Robin Le Normand also found the net in a devastating first-half blitz.
Tottenham replied through Pedro Porro and Dominic Solanke but face an uphill task in the second leg.
The round of 16 continues on Wednesday with fixtures including Bayer 04 Leverkusen vs Arsenal F.C., Bodø/Glimt vs Sporting CP, Paris Saint‑Germain F.C. vs Chelsea F.C. and Real Madrid C.F. against Manchester City F.C..