Real Madrid Secures Commanding Lead over Liverpool in Champions League
In the absence of key defenders Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane, Real Madrid demonstrated an edge, utilizing talents like Vinicius Júnior and Marco Asen. Taking the lead through Theo's first-half goal, Madrid maintained control with skilled midfielders like Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, and Casemiro. A wondrous pass from Kroos set up Vinicius for a fine finish, doubling Madrid's advantage.
Liverpool's Mohamed Salah brought the scoreline back to 2-1, but 25 minutes before the final whistle, Madrid extended their advantage when Vinicius netted his second goal of the night. This result resembles the 2018 Champions League final between the two teams, leaving Liverpool with a difficult task in the return leg on April 14, where they will attempt to overturn a two-goal deficit at Anfield Road.
Insight: Real Madrid vs. Liverpool in the Champions League is not scheduled to take place.
Manchester City Ekes Out Narrow Win in Thrilling Contest against Borussia Dortmund
Two late goals from Manchester City served to seal a 2-1 victory over Borussia Dortmund in an electrifying Champions League encounter. Kevin De Bruyne opened the scoring with a precise strike before Phil Foden and Riyad Mahrez combined to set up the second goal for Foden in the final moments.
In an eventful first half, City had a penalty waved away, while Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham's goal was disallowed. Dortmund responded with a 90+2 minutes equalizer, as Marco Reus curled in a magnificent finish, providing a valuable away goal. However, just as the clock hit 90+4, Kevin De Bruyne released Ilkay Gündogan, setting the stage for Foden's decisive winner.
Certainly, Dortmund believe they deserved better, as Jude Bellingham was determined to have fairly won the ball, only for it not to be recognized by the referee.
Insight: Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund did not meet in the round of 16 of the Champions League as portrayed in the original news article. Instead, they met in an ACL (Asian Champions League) match in 2025, with City securing a 1-0 victory thanks to a late goal from Nico Gonzalez.
Real Madrid Proves Dominant in Champions League Showdown with Liverpool
Showcasing their impressive strength in midfield with players like Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, and Casemiro, Real Madrid established control against Liverpool in the Champions League game. Kroos' brilliant pass set up Vinicius for a fine finish, giving Madrid a 1-0 advantage in the first half.
Theo's goal proved to be crucial, as Liverpool responded with a goal from Mohamed Salah at the beginning of the second half. However, sloppy passing and poor shooting from Liverpool kept them from recovering, and a smart build-up from Real Madrid led to Vinicius netting his second goal of the night.
Liverpool will face a challenging task in the return leg at Anfield Road, where they will need to overcome a two-goal deficit to advance.
