Ademola Lookman’s goal not enough to send Atalanta into the CL last 16.
Club Brugge secured a stunning 3-1 victory over Atalanta in their Champions League playoff on Tuesday, sealing a 5-2 aggregate win to reach the last 16. Teenage sensation, Chemsdine Talbi scored twice, while Ferran Jutglà added another, giving the Belgian side a commanding 3-0 halftime lead. Atalanta responded strongly in the second half, with Ademola Lookman scoring within a minute of coming on. However, his momentum was halted when Simon Mignolet saved his penalty at the hour mark. The veteran goalkeeper made multiple crucial saves to frustrate the Italian side. Atalanta’s hopes of a comeback faded further when captain Rafael Tolói was sent off late for violent conduct against Maxim De Cuyper. Following their European exit, Atalanta will shift focus to Serie A, where they trail leaders Napoli by five points and face Empoli on Sunday, while Brugge meets Standard in the Belgian Pro League.
FT: Atalanta 1-3 Club Brugge. (2-5 AGG).
CLUB BRUGGE HAVE ELIMINATED ATALANTA AND HAVE REACHED THE ROUND OF 16 OF THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE! 🌟🌟🌟 pic.twitter.com/G2URfUs21d
— TheEuropeanLad (@TheEuropeanLad) February 18, 2025
Federico Valverde clarifies comments amid Real Madrid’s refereeing controversy.
Uruguayan midfielder, Federico Valverde has addressed his recent press conference comments ahead of Real Madrid’s Champions League clash against Manchester City. The build-up to Wednesday’s match has been dominated by discussions about Madrid’s tense relationship with La Liga, following Jude Bellingham’s controversial red card against Osasuna. The incident added to growing frustrations with club president Florentino Pérez even suggesting the use of Premier League referees to improve officiating. Reports have even speculated about Madrid considering leaving La Liga. During his press conference, Valverde avoided direct criticism of referees, saying, “We are all human and make mistakes.” However, after facing backlash, he later clarified his stance on X, stating, “Everyone has seen what is happening to us in this league, but now we must focus on tomorrow.” He reassured fans of his commitment, emphasizing that while he hasn’t forgotten the issues, his priority remains helping Madrid succeed.
🚨⚪️ Fede Valverde’s statement.
“I want to clarify to Real Madrid fans that I didn’t mention what we’re suffering with the referees because I know myself and I am focused on tomorrow.
The whole world saw what’s happening to Real Madrid in La Liga. I didn’t forget it. I will… pic.twitter.com/mFZXjxWZnb
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 18, 2025
Bayern Munich Edges Past Celtic to Reach Champions League Last 16.
Thanks to Alphonso Davies’ stoppage-time equalizer, Bayern Munich secured a dramatic 1-1 draw against Celtic on Tuesday, advancing to the Champions League Round of 16 with a 3-2 aggregate win. Brendan Rodgers’ side produced an impressive performance but fell just short after Davies’ late equalizer shattered their hopes. Celtic, trailing by a goal from the first leg, created several early chances. Callum McGregor fired wide after dispossessing Michael Olise, while Nicolas-Gerrit Kühn was denied by Raphaël Guerreiro’s goal-line clearance. Daizen Maeda also came close with a chipped effort. Bayern’s Harry Kane struck the woodwork before being substituted at halftime. The visitors finally broke through after the hour mark, as Maeda’s pressing forced a defensive error, allowing Kühn to slot past Manuel Neuer. Bayern struggled without Kane but found a late lifeline when Davies bundled home after Kasper Schmeichel had saved Leon Goretzka’s header. The late goal sealed Bayern’s place in the knockout stage, leaving Celtic heartbroken.
Bayern knock out Celtic! 🔴⚪️ pic.twitter.com/THCsmnxXju
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 18, 2025
Takehiro Tomiyasu undergoes surgery after a season-ending Knee injury.
Arsenal defender, Takehiro Tomiyasu has ruled himself out for the rest of the season after undergoing knee surgery, calling it the “toughest period” of his career. The Japanese international has managed just six minutes of game time this season due to a persistent knee injury that initially sidelined him for three months. Reports had suggested Arsenal were considering surgery, and Tomiyasu has now confirmed he has undergone the procedure. Updating fans on Instagram, the 26-year-old wrote, “I had surgery on my right knee a few days ago and have already started rehab to get back to doing what I love. It’s been the toughest time in my career, but I won’t give up.” He shared a photo of himself on crutches, his knee in a brace, prompting an outpouring of support from Arsenal fans. Tomiyasu now aims to return fully fit for the next season.
🚨⚠️ Takehiro Tomiyasu’s season is over and his focus is now on returning for next season.
“I've had a surgery on my knee few days ago and l've already started my rehab to do what I love the most again. It has been the toughest period in my career for sure and it carries on a… pic.twitter.com/zq42TQp3aq
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 19, 2025
Benfica holds off Monaco to reach the Champions League Round of 16.
Portuguese side, Benfica advanced to the Champions League last 16 after a thrilling 3-3 draw against AS Monaco on Tuesday, securing a 4-3 aggregate victory. Holding a one-goal advantage from the first leg, Benfica struck first in the 22nd minute when Kerem Aktürkoğlu tapped in from a Vangelis Pavlidis assist. However, Monaco responded quickly, with Takumi Minamino levelling 10 minutes later before Eliesse Ben Seghir fired them ahead with a brilliant first-time finish after the break. Benfica hit back when Pavlidis coolly converted a penalty to make it 2-2, and late goals from Monaco’s George Ilenikhena and Benfica’s Orkun Kökçü ensured a dramatic finish. Monaco, despite missing key players, put up a strong fight, with Krépin Diatta denied early by Anatoliy Trubin. Benfica, unbeaten at home against French teams, now await either Liverpool or Barcelona in the last 16, with the draw set for Friday.
Benfica knock out AS Monaco! 🔴🦅 pic.twitter.com/frkZMdbFH5
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 18, 2025