On the evening of March 11, 2025, Barcelona claimed their spot in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League with a commanding 3-1 victory over Benfica, successfully overturning the aggregate score from the first leg. The match unfolded at the Olympic Stadium, Louis Companys, where Barcelona initially secured a 1-0 win away, giving them the necessary momentum to advance after the latest victory.
Barcelona went on the attack early, establishing dominance with three goals before halftime. Rafinha was instrumental, scoring twice at the 11th and 42nd minutes, complemented by Lamine Yamal’s contribution with a goal at the 27th minute. Benfica managed to find the back of the net through Nicolas Otamendi, but it was too little too late as they could not mount a sufficient comeback.
Barcelona’s first leg victory had set the stage for this decisive match, leading to their overall qualification with the aggregate score closing at 4-1. With this win, they join the ranks of established teams like Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich, who also made strides in the championship.
Earlier on the same day, Paris Saint-Germain faced off against Liverpool at Anfield, aiming to reverse their fortunes after losing the first leg 1-0 on home ground. With the stakes high, PSG seized momentum thanks to Othman Dembele, who netted the opener just 12 minutes in, capitalizing on defensive lapses from Liverpool. Despite Liverpool's best efforts led by star Mohamed Salah, they could not respond adequately.
After regulation time ended with PSG leading 1-0, the two squads entered extra time, which highlighted the defensive prowess of PSG, who managed to preserve their lead. The match culminated with a penalty shootout, where PSG triumphed with four successful penalties compared to Liverpool’s solitary conversion, sealing their place for the quarter-finals.
Consequently, Paris Saint-Germain now awaits the winner of the matchup between Aston Villa and Club Brugge, eyeing not just the quarter-finals but the ultimate desire of claiming the Champions League trophy for the first time.
Marquinhos, the captain of PSG, faced disciplinary action as he picked up a yellow card during the match against Liverpool, resulting in his suspension for the upcoming quarter-final match. This significant loss could affect PSG’s strategy going forward.
For Liverpool, the exit from the Champions League marks another disappointing chapter, especially considering their recent domestic successes as they are currently leading the English Premier League. Despite their astounding 70 points placing them well above competitors like Arsenal, the Champions League failure raises questions about their performance on European soil. Their inability to convert during the shootouts has highlighted deficiencies and prompted commentators to assess the team’s depth and resilience.
The quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League are scheduled for April 8 and 9 for the first leg, and April 15 and 16 for the second leg. Following intense competition, basketball and football fans alike eagerly await how the remaining teams will fare as the tournament progresses toward the final showdown on May 31 at the Allianz Arena, home of Bayern Munich.
After the conclusion of the last leg of the Round of 16, other teams like Bayern Munich and Inter Milan also secured their places alongside Barcelona and PSG, who now progress to the next stages with high expectations. This season continues to captivate audiences with thrilling matches and high stakes.