Bayern Munich and AC Milan got off to a positive start in the Champions League Round of 16, winning their first leg games against PSG and Tottenham Hotspur respectively. Both teams won by a 1-0 margin, leaving the second leg very much open for a turnaround.
PSG 0-1 Bayern Munich: Champions League 2020 final rematch
The replay of the 2020 Champions League final saw an eerily similar outcome, with Kingsley Coman scoring against his former side to give Bayern the win. The German side were dominant for the majority of the game.
And even though Lionel Messi and Neymar were on the pitch, it wasn’t until Kylian Mbappe was subbed on that things really clicked for them. The Frenchman scored two goals, but both were disallowed by VAR for offside.
Benjamin Pavard was sent off in the final few minutes of the game for a clumsy challenge on Messi, picking up a second yellow card. He will miss the next leg, and it could prove to be a big absence for Julian Nagelsmann if he wants to continue having a back three.
PSG’s quest for a maiden Champions League title will take them to Bavaria next, and they must find a way to turn things around if they are to keep the dream alive.
AC Milan 1-0 Spurs: A first win for Milan
The Rossoneri picked up their first Champions League knockout win since 2013 with a goal from Brahim Diaz being enough to seal the win. The Spaniard has also become the youngest player for the club to score in the knockout stages since 21-year-old Kaka.
AC Milan achieved the breakthrough early, and were able to defend their one goal lead till the end to gain the advantage.
Spurs will feel like their injury record has gotten the better of them as things stand. But, they will have the chance to turn things around when they host the 7-time Champions League winners in the return leg.
