Champions League Knockout Play-Offs: Atalanta Stun Dortmund as PSG and Real Madrid Advance

Posted : 25 February 2026

The UEFA Champions League knockout round play-offs delivered a night of high drama and thrilling football as several ties were decided on narrow margins. In Bergamo, Atalanta produced one of the most remarkable comebacks of the season, overturning a 2‑0 first-leg deficit against Borussia Dortmund. Goals from Gianluca Scamacca, Davide Zappacosta, and Mario Pašalić gave the hosts a 3‑0 lead, putting Dortmund under immense pressure.

The defining moment came deep in stoppage time when a penalty was awarded following a foul on Atalanta’s Nikola Krstović. Lazar Samardžić converted the penalty in the 98th minute, completing a 4‑3 aggregate victory and sending Atalanta into the Round of 16. The match was intense and chaotic, with multiple red cards and emotional scenes marking the conclusion.

In Paris, Paris Saint‑Germain narrowly held off AS Monaco in a thrilling second-leg clash. Monaco struck first, but PSG responded through goals from Marquinhos and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to edge ahead. A late goal from Jordan Teze gave Monaco hope, yet PSG held on to secure a 5‑4 aggregate victory. The match showcased the fine margins at the top level of European football, where a single moment can decide the outcome.

At the Santiago Bernabéu, Real Madrid booked their place in the Round of 16 with a 2‑1 win over Benfica, completing a 3‑1 aggregate triumph. Benfica scored first, but the hosts responded through Aurélien Tchouaméni and Vinícius Júnior to take control of the tie. Despite sustained pressure from the Portuguese side, Real Madrid’s composure and experience ensured their progression.

Meanwhile, the fixture between Juventus and Galatasaray provided late drama, with Galatasaray’s Victor Osimhen scoring a crucial goal to maintain their aggregate advantage. If confirmed, the Turkish side will join the other qualifiers in advancing to the next stage of the competition.

Today’s matches highlighted the Champions League’s defining traits: resilience, narrow margins, and emotional intensity. Atalanta’s comeback, PSG’s narrow escape, and Real Madrid’s composed victory demonstrate how quickly fortunes can shift in Europe’s premier club tournament. With the Round of 16 on the horizon, teams will now focus on preparing for the next phase of elite competition.

Champions League Knockout Play-Offs: Atalanta Stun Dortmund as PSG and Real Madrid Advance

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