Liverpool, Arsenal, and Aston Villa all emerged victorious in their last-16 first-leg matches, positioning themselves strongly for a quarter-final berth in the Champions League. Premier League leaders Liverpool clinched a late 1-0 win over Paris St-Germain in Paris, despite being under pressure from the hosts throughout the game. This victory marked their first encounter with PSG since their triumphant 2018-19 campaign in the Champions League.
Looking ahead, Liverpool may face Aston Villa in the quarter-finals, with Villa currently leading 3-1 against Club Brugge. Arsenal, on the other hand, demolished PSV 7-1 away from home, putting them in a comfortable position to progress to the next round. The Gunners are likely to meet either Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid in the quarter-finals.
In the broader context, countries compete for additional Champions League spots based on their performance in UEFA competitions. Countries with higher coefficient rankings earn extra spots, with the top two countries securing additional places for the following season. In the current season, bonus points in the Champions League benefit leagues with more participating clubs.
The race for coefficient points is crucial for countries like England, Italy, Germany, and France as they aim to secure more Champions League spots. The Europa League winners also play a significant role in determining how many teams a country can send to the Champions League in the upcoming season.
As the Champions League progresses, the competition intensifies, setting the stage for thrilling encounters and potential upsets. Fans can catch the highlights of every game on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app, ensuring they don’t miss a moment of the action. The second-leg ties are scheduled for 11th and 12th March, promising even more excitement and drama on the road to the quarter-finals.