FC Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid have taken big steps toward the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals after convincing victories in the first-leg matches of the Round of 16. Meanwhile, FC Barcelona managed only a draw away at Newcastle United FC, leaving everything open for the return leg.
Bayern Munich delivered a fantastic performance in Italy, defeating Atalanta BC 6–1 in Bergamo.
The German side started the match aggressively and took the lead when Josip Stanisic scored after a move created by Serge Gnabry. Shortly afterward, Michael Olise doubled the lead with a beautiful long-range strike.
The third goal came again from Gnabry after an assist from Olise, making it 3–0 already in the first half.
In the second half, the Bavarians did not slow down: Nicolas Jackson scored for 4–0, Olise added the fifth goal, while Jamal Musiala sealed the victory with the sixth.
Atalanta managed only a late consolation goal through Mario Pasalic. With this result, Bayern has almost secured qualification for the quarterfinals.
Atletico Madrid is also very close to the quarterfinals after defeating Tottenham Hotspur FC 5–2 in Madrid.
The hosts took advantage of major defensive errors by the English side and scored three quick goals through Marcos Llorente, Antoine Griezmann, and Julian Alvarez.
Later, Robin Le Normand and Alvarez added more goals. Tottenham managed to score twice through Pedro Porro and Dominic Solanke, but the three-goal difference puts Atletico in a very favorable position ahead of the return match in London.
In the other match, Barcelona drew 1–1 away against Newcastle United.
The English side took the lead late in the game when Harvey Barnes scored after a move by Jacob Murphy.
However, the drama came in stoppage time. After a penalty won by Dani Olmo, the young talent Lamine Yamal converted from the spot to make the final score 1–1.
