The Digest:
Harry Kane scored twice in three minutes to secure Bayern Munich’s place in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 with a 2–0 win over Union St.-Gilloise on Matchday 7. Premier League clubs also enjoyed success, with Liverpool winning 3–0 at Marseille, Newcastle beating PSV Eindhoven 3–0, and Chelsea edging Pafos 1–0. Barcelona overcame an own goal to defeat Slavia Prague 4–2, while other results included Athletic Club’s 3–2 away win at Atalanta and a 1–1 draw between Galatasaray and Atlético Madrid. The matchday confirmed several qualifiers ahead of next week’s decisive fixtures.
Key Points:
- Kane’s performance underscores his pivotal role in Bayern’s European campaign, boosting their momentum ahead of the knockout stages.
- Strong showings by English clubs reinforce the Premier League’s competitive depth in this season’s Champions League.
- Results heighten the stakes for Matchday 8, where remaining automatic qualification and playoff spots will be decided.
- The matchday highlighted both expected dominance from giants and surprises, such as Qarabağ’s late win over Eintracht Frankfurt.
- The outcomes will influence team strategies, squad rotation, and psychological preparedness heading into the Round of 16 draw.
Sources: Goal, BBC Sport
