From Alisson’s heroics in Liverpool’s win over PSG to Arsenal’s record-breaking rout of PSV Eindhoven, Gulf News breaks down the key talking points from the first legs of the Champions League’s last 16.
**Alisson makes claim as best keeper in the world**
---------------------------------------------------
Alisson Becker delivered a career-defining performance to lead Liverpool to a remarkable 1-0 victory over PSG in Paris.
The Brazilian goalkeeper’s heroics ensured that Arne Slot’s side survived relentless pressure, setting up a crucial advantage for the return leg at Anfield.
Facing a PSG side that dominated throughout, Liverpool managed only two shots to the hosts’ 27, making Alisson’s contribution pivotal. The final expected goals (xG) count of 1.82 to 0.27 in PSG’s favour highlighted the disparity between the sides, but Alisson stood tall, making a record-breaking nine saves — the most by any Liverpool goalkeeper
When asked if that was his best performance of the season, Alisson replied: "Probably of my life.
"The manager told us how hard it would be and we had to be ready to suffer. They have so much quality. We gave away so many chances but in the end with Harvey coming in and scoring the goal, it's unbelievable. A great story. A great night.”
Harvey Elliott’s 87th-minute strike, Liverpool’s first shot on target, ultimately decided the game, but without Alisson’s brilliance, the opportunity might never have arrived. His reflexes, positioning, and composure were all on display as he thwarted PSG’s relentless attack.
Even Arne Slot was left in awe of his goalkeeper: "I don’t think I’ve worked with a goalkeeper at this level – he is the best in the world. He showed that today."
This historic win, achieved despite a record 25-shot deficit, is a testament to Alisson’s brilliance and Liverpool’s resilience.
**Maybe Arsenal don’t need a striker after all**
------------------------------------------------
Arsenal silenced their critics in emphatic fashion, dismantling PSV Eindhoven 7-1 in a record-breaking Champions League performance. Heading into the match, much had been made of their lack of a natural striker, but Mikel Arteta’s side delivered a ruthless display that suggests they may not need one to achieve their ambitions.
The Gunners were unstoppable from the outset, with goals from Jurrien Timber, Ethan Nwaneri, and Mikel Merino putting them 3-0 up by halftime. Noa Lang’s penalty briefly gave PSV hope, but it was quickly extinguished. Martin Ødegaard struck twice, Leandro Trossard chipped in with a clever finish, and Riccardo Calafiori added a seventh to complete a historic night. Arsenal became the first team in Champions League history to score seven goals away in a knockout stage match.
This performance showcased a newfound efficiency in attack. Despite averaging more shots and touches in the opposition box in the Premier League, Arsenal have been far more decisive in Europe. The six different scorers highlighted their versatility, while their 88% conversion rate on shots on target demonstrated a ruthless streak that had been missing in recent weeks.
Arteta’s men now look ahead to a quarter-final clash against the winner of the Madrid derby, brimming with confidence. Whether this display marks a turning point or remains an outlier, Arsenal have reminded everyone of their capability to produce magic on the biggest stage.
**Kane is a penalty maestro**
-----------------------------
Bayern Munich moved one step closer to the quarter-finals with a commanding 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen, led by a brilliant Harry Kane.
The England captain continued his incredible season with two goals, including a record-extending penalty that highlighted his consistency in front of goal.
Kane opened the scoring early in the all-German affair, showing his trademark composure to give Bayern the lead. Jamal Musiala doubled the advantage before halftime, pouncing on a costly error by Leverkusen goalkeeper Matej Kovar.
Any hopes of a Leverkusen comeback were dashed when Nordi Mukiele received a second yellow card just past the hour mark, leaving the visitors to battle with 10 men.
Kane then sealed the win from the penalty spot, converting his 31st goal of the season. Remarkably, this marked his 30th consecutive successful penalty since his infamous miss against France in the 2022 World Cup quarter-finals. Of those, 21 have come in Bayern colours, with the rest split between England and Tottenham.
This latest performance also underlined Kane’s remarkable consistency at club level. It is the seventh time in his career that he has scored 30 or more goals in a season, a feat surpassed only by Robert Lewandowski (9) in Europe’s top five leagues since 2014-15.
"This is the Champions League, this is the biggest game of all," Kane told TNT Sports after the game.
"We're playing against a team who have had an unbelievable couple of seasons. If we don't carry it on, then it doesn't mean anything.
"We're here to send a message not just to everyone but to ourselves."
**What happened elsewhere?**
----------------------------
Barcelona managed a narrow 1-0 win over Benfica in Lisbon despite being reduced to 10 men for much of the match. Raphinha’s decisive second-half strike proved enough to give the Catalans a crucial edge in the tie.
Inter Milan took a commanding position in their clash against Feyenoord with a 2-0 victory in Rotterdam. Goals from Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martinez put the Serie A side firmly in control ahead of the second leg.
In Madrid, Real edged a tightly contested derby against Atletico, securing a 2-1 home victory. A strong display keeps Los Blancos on track in their pursuit of another Champions League crown.
Aston Villa made a strong statement with a 3-1 win away at Club Brugge. However, manager Unai Emery remained cautious, emphasising there is still work to do in the return leg.
Borussia Dortmund had to settle for a 1-1 draw with Lille after a promising start. Karim Adeyemi gave the hosts an early lead with a stunning low half-volley, but Lille responded in the second half when Hakon Haraldsson latched onto Jonathan David’s pass to equalise in the 68th minute.
**What next?**
--------------
Focus now turns to the second legs, which take place next week, to determine who reaches the quarter-finals. Arsenal seemed already destined for a date with one of the Madrid clubs following their rout of PSV, while Aston Villa and Liverpool are on course to meet in an all-English clash should they push on from their first leg victories. Soley based on first leg results, Bayern Munich v Inter Milan seems likely, while Dormund or Lille will likely face Barcelona should the Catalans use their afvantage to their advantage.
Sign up for the Daily Briefing
Get the latest news and updates straight to your inbox