Real Madrid secured their place in the Champions League last 16 with a 2-1 victory over Benfica at the Santiago Bernabéu, sealing a 3-1 aggregate win. Despite an uninspiring performance, the Spanish giants proved too strong for the Portuguese side, who were unable to overturn a first-leg deficit.
The night's other ties delivered more drama. Galatasaray advanced after a thrilling encounter against Juventus, who had forced extra time despite being reduced to ten men. Federico Gatti and Weston McKennie scored to level the aggregate score, but Victor Osimhen's late strike in extra time confirmed a 2-1 win on the night and a 3-2 aggregate victory for the Turkish side. They will face either Liverpool or Tottenham Hotspur in the next round.
Atalanta became the sole remaining Serie A representative after overcoming their opponents, while Paris Saint-Germain rallied to beat Monaco 2-1. Goals from Marquinhos and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia turned the tie around after Monaco had taken an early lead, though they played the majority of the match with ten men following Mamadou Coulibaly's dismissal.
All four ties provided excitement, with the aggregate scores ultimately favouring the more experienced sides. Real Madrid, despite their struggles, remain one of the favourites for the competition as they look to defend their title.
