Holders Paris Saint-Germain produced a strong performance to defeat Chelsea FC 5–2 in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 tie on Wednesday night.
In another big match, Real Madrid CF also took a big step towards the quarter-finals after beating Manchester City FC 3–0, with captain Federico Valverde scoring all three goals.
Norwegian club Bodø/Glimt continued their impressive run with a 3–0 victory over Sporting CP, while Arsenal FC were held to a 1–1 draw away to Bayer 04 Leverkusen.
PSG 5–2 Chelsea
PSG took a big advantage into the second leg after two late goals from substitute Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Bradley Barcola opened the scoring with a fine half-volley into the top corner. Chelsea responded when Malo Gusto equalised for the visitors.
However, Ousmane Dembélé restored PSG’s lead on a quick counter-attack after earlier forcing goalkeeper Filip Jørgensen to push a shot onto the post.
Chelsea again fought back through Enzo Fernández to make it 2–2, but Vitinha soon put PSG ahead again.
Late goals from Kvaratskhelia — a powerful strike and a close-range finish — sealed the win for the team coached by Luis Enrique and gave them a strong lead before the return leg in London.
Real Madrid 3–0 Man City
Real Madrid were in full control against Manchester City thanks to a brilliant hat-trick from Valverde.
The Uruguayan captain opened the scoring in the first half after receiving a long pass from goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, rounding Gianluigi Donnarumma and finishing calmly.
Valverde added his second goal seven minutes later with a powerful left-foot shot before completing his hat-trick with a fine volley just before half-time.
Madrid had a chance to increase their lead in the second half, but Vinícius Júnior saw his penalty saved.
Bodø/Glimt 3–0 Sporting CP
Bodø/Glimt continued their dream Champions League campaign with a comfortable victory over Sporting.
Sondre Brunstad Fet gave the hosts the lead from the penalty spot, while Ole Didrik Blomberg doubled the advantage just before half-time.
Kasper Høgh then scored his fifth Champions League goal in five matches to make it 3–0 and put the Norwegian side in a strong position before the second leg.
Leverkusen 1–1 Arsenal
Arsenal needed a late goal to avoid defeat away to Leverkusen.
After a goalless first half, Leverkusen took the lead early in the second half when Robert Andrich headed in from a corner after a quick attack that started from kick-off.
Arsenal pushed for an equaliser and were rewarded late on when substitute Noni Madueke won a penalty. Former Leverkusen forward Kai Havertz calmly converted the spot kick to secure a 1–1 draw.
Other results
Earlier matches on Tuesday saw Galatasaray SK defeat Liverpool FC 1–0, while FC Bayern Munich thrashed Atalanta BC 6–1.
Atlético Madrid also claimed a 5–2 win over Tottenham Hotspur FC, and Newcastle United FC played a 1–1 draw with FC Barcelona.
Upcoming Champions League dates
The second legs of the Round of 16 will take place on 17 and 18 March 2026.
The quarter-finals are scheduled for 7/8 April and 14/15 April, while the semi-finals will be played on 28/29 April and 5/6 May.
The final of the competition will be held on 30 May 2026 in Budapest. ⚽
