Night time Robbery in Paris

Newcastle were just minutes away from securing a valuable victory away from home, and possibly putting them closer to securing a seat at the table of Europe’s elite ahead of the draw for the Round 16 fixtures. Newcastle's party in France was ruined by a bizarre penalty awarded to PSG, as they must now win their final match against Milan, and hope the other game turns out well, in order to qualify for the next round.

Eddie Howe’s side came to Paris with a good game plan. Even though they came under pressure in the early parts of the game, Nick Pope kept his side in the game with a commanding performance at the goalpost. After pulling first blood in the game via Alexander Isak’s goal in the first half, The Magpies ended the first half, firmly in control of the match. Minutes away from securing one of the biggest and narrowest victories in this season’s Champion League, fate didn’t shine brightly for Newcastle as they had a dubious penalty awarded against them. A point gained away from home isn’t a bitter pill to cry about. Heading to the final group fixtures, there’s all to play for in the Group of Death, as PSG, AC Milan, and Newcastle can all progress with a victory in their respective fixtures and other results go their way.

Who joins Dortmund at the UCL knockout stage?

The defending Champions show nerves of steel

What a game in the City of Manchester! Trailing by two goals in front of the home crowd, Manchester City’s menacing attack rescued their shabby defense to claim a hard-fought 3-2 victory over RB Leipzig. The win guarantees the Cityzens top spot in Group G and a place in the knockout stages.

Tipped strongly to follow Real Madrid to successfully defend the European trophy in the 20th century, City’s rivals in Europe will clearly take note that their defense may be the weakness to explore in this well-built team. Second-half goals from attackers, Erling Haaland, Phil Foden, and Julian Alvarez, protected City’s enviable record in the Champions League of not losing a home game in the Champions League for five-and-a-half years. With qualification secured, the Cityzens will be patiently looking forward to the knockout stages, as they continue their quest to successfully defend their crown in Europe.

Dortmund rise up against adversity

When the group stage draw was held, no one tipped Borussia Dortmund to possibly top the group after Matchday 5. But here we are, after five games played in the Group stage, the Yellow and Blacks, are in firm control of the Group of Death. With ten points secured and qualification to the knockout stage secured, their final fixture against PSG will give this young team a chance to play with flair and freedom.

Despite securing qualification, their overall form at the group stage leaves much to be desired. With only six goals scored so far, you wonder how this team will fare against a team that is disciplined at the back, and hardly gives their opponents opportunities to score. Their qualification saw three German sides seal their qualification for the knockout stages. It may be just a matter of time before a German team is crowned King of Europe.

Glory in Catalunya

After three years of searching for glory in Europe’s biggest competition, Barcelona finally progressed to the knockout stages under Xavi’s reign. The second comeback victory was secured on Tuesday night in Europe as the Catalans came back from a goal down to win this match and qualify for the knockout stages. The star of the night, Joao Cancelo, showed up in style with a virtuoso performance. With a goal and an assist by the Portuguese defender, Barcelona is set for no late-season drama.

This team isn’t yet playing the free-flowing football we know Barca for, but they have new-found resilience under Xavi, which will not make them pushovers in the knockout stage. Hopefully, by the time the Round of 16 fixtures kick-off, the team will have welcomed back some players from injury. How far will Barca go in this competition this season? Only time will tell.

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