On March 11, 2025, the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 concluded, bringing dramatic finishes and setting the stage for the quarter-finals. Among the standout performances, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) achieved the most memorable comeback by eliminating Liverpool at Anfield, winning 1-0 to level their aggregate score, then triumphing 4-1 in the penalty shootout. This victory was particularly poignant since PSG had lost 1-0 at home just the week before.
Ousmane Dembélé was the hero for the Parisian club, scoring the equalizer within the first 12 minutes of the match. His goal not only offered hope to his teammates and fans but also pushed the game to extra time when neither team managed to score again. PSG’s goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma stepped up heroically, making two pivotal saves during the shootout, which sent PSG to the quarter-finals. Marquinhos, PSG's captain, reflected on the match, stating, "We really deserved to qualify over the two matches. There is no comparison.” Coach Luis Enrique added, "Today was very difficult because Liverpool is a very good team, which puts a lot of pressure."
Meanwhile, Bayern Munich continued its march through the tournament by defeating Bayer Leverkusen 2-0 at home, successfully confirming their aggregate superiority with a 5-0 victory over two legs. Goals from Harry Kane and Alphonso Davies, scored respectively at the 52nd and 71st minutes, sealed the deal for the German champions. This win signals Bayern’s ambitions to capture their seventh Champions League trophy after previous victories dating back to 1974, with their most recent being in 2020. They now prepare for a challenging quarter-final encounter against Inter Milan, which advanced by defeating Feyenoord 4-1 on aggregate following their 2-1 victory away.
Inter Milan, under the management of Simone inzaghi, demonstrated their strength with goals from Marcus Thuram and Hakan Calhanoglu, ensuring they would face off against Bayern. The match, which also took place on March 11, saw them maintain control after initially winning 2-0 last week. Their resilience and tactical prowess were key elements as they look forward to testing themselves against one of the competition’s favorites.
On the other hand, Football Club Barcelona smoothly advanced to the quarter-finals after defeating SL Benfica 3-1 on aggregate. Raphinha was the standout player, scoring twice to propel the Catalan side forward at the Camp Nou. Lamine Yamal also contributed with both a goal and solid playmaking, setting up Raphinha’s goals efficiently. Benfica managed to equalize shortly after Raphinha's first goal, with Nicolas Otamendi getting on the score sheet, yet it was not enough to mount any significant challenge to the Barcelona side.
These exciting results mean the quarter-final lineup is set, with major matches on the horizon. PSG will be eagerly awaiting either Club Bruges or Aston Villa, who played their preliminary match just days prior. Meanwhile, Barcelona will meet the winner of Lille and Borussia Dortmund, both teams still vying to cement their places later this week.
Overall, the matches on March 11 showcased the drama and unpredictability of the UEFA Champions League, with several top clubs advancing to reaffirm their status on the European stage. The quarter-finals promise to offer more thrilling encounters, with Bayern and Inter’s clash being one of the most anticipated among fans and pundits alike as they gear up for what could be yet another exciting chapter of football's most prestigious tournament. With teams showing signs of readiness and past experiences lighting the way, the stage is set for some electrifying football.