UCL discussion highlights: PSG’s turnaround victory, Bodø/Glimt’s unexpected triumph over Inter, and additional insights.

The initial legs of the UEFA Champions League knockout playoffs have concluded, and there is much to analyze! From Real Madrid’s narrow victory over Benfica (managed by former Real coach Jose Mourinho) to Bodo/Glimt’s surprising win against Internazionale in the Arctic Circle, and even the defending champions Paris Saint-Germain coming back from a 2-0 deficit to triumph 3-2 against fellow Ligue 1 team AS Monaco, the matches have been eventful. Additionally, Galatasaray netting five goals against Juventus and Newcastle United scoring six against FK Qarabag are noteworthy highlights.

In light of this thrilling set of first legs this week, ESPN FC writers Mark Ogden, Sam Tighe, Beth Lindop, and Sam Marsden share their insights on the events thus far and what lies ahead.

– Champions League recap: Bodø/Glimt stun Inter with famous win
– Real Madrid learned lesson from Champions League loss to Benfica
– Why every remaining team will, won’t win UEFA Champions League

Q1. Paris Saint-Germain had to come from 2-0 down to win the first leg at Monaco, with Désiré Doué coming off the bench to turn the tie around. Is the fatigue from last season’s UEFA Champions League title and deep run to last summer’s Club World Cup final about to catch up with them?

Sam Tighe: I am not at all surprised that any club that progressed deep into last summer’s Club World Cup appears disjointed or plagued by injuries. In PSG’s case, it is both issues. A mere three weeks between “seasons” is inadequate, so these players are certainly struggling both physically and mentally.

This time last year, Les Parisiens were in the midst of defeating Brest 10-0 on aggregate in the Champions League playoffs. They began to find their rhythm, instilling fear in their opponents. A year later, the situation feels markedly different, with Ousmane Dembélé recently calling out his teammates for prioritizing personal interests over the club, unlike last season. There are other significant changes as well: Defensive stalwart Marquinhos has seen a notable decline in form, and they have transitioned from relying on one of the world’s top shot-stoppers in Gianluigi Donnarumma (who transferred to Manchester City) to a difficult choice between two under-performing keepers, Lucas Chevalier and Matvey Safonov.

It genuinely does not feel like last year; it does not seem they are on the verge of hitting an impressive stride, but in this sport, anything can happen…

Beth Lindop: Not long ago, it was difficult to envision anyone defeating PSG. Following a rocky start to last season, Luis Enrique’s team found their form after the new year. They possess a wealth of exceptionally talented players, so they cannot be entirely dismissed, and they demonstrated commendable resilience in their comeback against Monaco. However, they do not quite resemble the formidable force they once were, and, as Sam noted, it is understandable given the heavy workload they endured over the summer.

They appear more like a collection of individuals rather than the cohesive unit they had become by the end of last season. Nevertheless, that individual talent could still prove decisive.

Mark Ogden: PSG faces an unexpected challenge this season—they are engaged in a tight three-way contest for the Ligue Un title with leaders Lens and Lyon, leaving them without the luxury of coasting domestically to focus solely on the Champions League as they did last season. Every match is crucial, and this reality, coupled with the lack of rest for Luis Enrique’s players last summer, is undoubtedly impacting their results and performances.

However, they should not be counted out. They showcased their quality by overcoming a 2-0 deficit against Monaco and are capable of defeating any team in Europe on their day. It may be challenging for them to reclaim the Champions League title this season, especially with Chelsea or Barcelona awaiting them in the round of 16, but their experience from last year equips them with the knowledge to do it again.

Sam Marsden: I must admit I am wavering on PSG for all the reasons previously mentioned, yet I still believe they can perform when it matters. It is true that fatigue, injuries, and a competitive title race are pushing them to their limits at present, but when faced with adversity, I still think they can rise to the occasion.

As Mark pointed out, at 2-0 down against Monaco, particularly after losing Ballon d’Or winner Dembélé to injury, the outlook appeared grim, but they demonstrated their quality and depth. This time it was Doué, stepping in for the injured Dembélé, who secured the victory for them, but next time it could just as easily be Khvicha Kvaratskhelia or Bradley Barcola. I will always support a Luis Enrique team.

play1:34Leboeuf praises Doué’s ‘perfect’ performance for PSG vs. Monaco

Frank Leboeuf reacts to Désiré Doué’s performance in PSG’s Champions League comeback win against Monaco.

Q2. Real Madrid had a shaky and dramatic away victory on Tuesday, overshadowed by allegations of racial abuse directed at Vinicius Jr., but they head into next week’s second leg with a slim advantage. Can Álvaro Arbeloa join the ranks of notable coaches who have taken over a major club midseason and led them to Champions League success?

Ogden: Absolutely, because success in the Champions League hinges on the players. A top coach is significant, but several rather unremarkable coaches have won it or guided a team to the final, and Arbeloa has an abundance of star players to carry Real to victory despite his coaching experience. Zinedine Zidane and Thomas Tuchel are elite names who have taken mid-season roles and ended up winning the Champions League, but Roberto di Matteo won it with Chelsea in 2012, and Avram Grant (Chelsea, 2008) and Edin Terzic (Borussia Dortmund, 2023) led their teams to finals, so Arbeloa would not be an anomaly if he achieved the same with Real.

Let’s be honest. If you have Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde, Thibaut Courtois, Trent Alexander-Arnold—do I need to continue?—in your squad, you have a chance to win the Champions League. As long as the coach does not complicate matters with tactical demands or unusual selections, the best players always have an opportunity. And Real is filled with world-class talent.

Lindop: I concur with Mark. Despite Real Madrid having a rather unremarkable season thus far (by their own high standards), they can never be discounted when it comes to the Champions League knockout stages. More than any other club, Real has a unique connection with this competition, and they possess numerous match-winners within their squad. Arbeloa seems to have fostered a sense of unity within the team, and the return of Trent could also be pivotal in helping the team function effectively.

They would certainly be favored to secure a win in the second leg against Benfica, and then it will depend on who they face in the last 16.

Marsden: While I agree with Mark and Beth—Real Madrid in the Champions League is a significant factor—I do not believe either of the Clásico teams, including Barcelona, are strong enough to win the competition this season. Of course, I would still place them among the teams just behind the favorites—such as Arsenal, Bayern Munich, and still, for me, PSG—and it would not be surprising if either side made it to the final with a favorable draw and a resurgence in form, but they both appear vulnerable at times.

That said, Madrid did seem to improve in midfield against Benfica, which I would argue is their weakest area. Arbeloa’s deployment of Aurélien Tchouaméni, Eduardo Camavinga, Valverde, and Arda Güler worked effectively, allowing more freedom for Mbappé and Vinícius in attack. However, maintaining that balance may prove challenging when Bellingham returns.

Tighe: I find myself aligned with (the other) Sam here.

I cannot deny that this Real Madrid team possesses the quality—especially in attack and goalkeeping—to win this tournament, and their special relationship with it adds to the allure. Yet, for some reason, I simply cannot envision it.

Perhaps it is due to having witnessed them perform poorly too often this season. Perhaps it is because I place greater importance on the manager than, say, Mark does, and Arbeloa is a true novice. Whatever the reason, it is troubling me, and when predicting something as unpredictable as a Champions League winner, one must trust their instincts. My instinct says no.

play1:02Nicol: Vinícius Jr. showed maturity with reaction to alleged racist abuse

Steve Nicol speaks about Vinícius Júnior’s reaction to suffering alleged racist abuse against Benfica in the Champions League.

Q3. Which team of those that lost this week is most likely to turn around a first leg deficit?

Ogden: I believe there is still some hope in the Atalanta-Borussia Dortmund matchup. A 2-0 lead certainly makes Dortmund the favorites, but they have not been particularly impressive away from home in the League Phase, and an early goal in Bergamo could shift the momentum in Atalanta’s favor. I would give Atalanta a slightly better chance than Inter Milan, who are facing a 3-1 deficit against Bodø/Glimt.

Inter will benefit from the atmosphere of a packed San Siro to motivate them, but Bodo has now defeated Inter, Atlético Madrid, and Manchester City in consecutive Champions League matches, so they will enter Milan with confidence from that streak. I just do not see Dortmund possessing the same self-belief—this is a team that was convincingly beaten away by Tottenham Hotspur—so I am backing Atalanta to reverse the tie and win the second leg.

Tighe: As exciting as the Bodø/Glimt narrative is, and as impressive as they were in their 3-1 victory over Inter on Wednesday night, I do wonder…is a two-goal lead sufficient? After all, while Glimt were exceptionally sharp in attack here—just as they were when they defeated Manchester City at home in the league phase—their goal frame was fortunate. Both Matteo Darmian and Lautaro Martínez struck the woodwork while seeking the lead, only for the Norwegians to respond with two quick goals.

Moreover, as Mark suggests, the conditions will be quite different next week—quite literally. No artificial pitch, no piles of snow on the sidelines; instead, a lively San Siro to support last year’s finalists. It is important to note that Bodø/Glimt are not solely dependent on home results—they lost just once on the road during the league phase and defeated Atlético Madrid in Spain!—but this remains a significant challenge.

Lindop: Qarabag could always surprise us! On a serious note, however, I will choose Atalanta. Borussia Dortmund’s 2-0 lead may appear commanding on paper, but the German side is somewhat unpredictable, and Atalanta can create numerous problems for teams, especially at home.

Inter could also achieve a turnaround, buoyed by the brilliance of the San Siro. However, I did label them my biggest disappointment of the group stage, and Wednesday night’s result has not changed that perception significantly.

Marsden: Firstly, another excellent result for Bodø/Glimt. We must acknowledge their impressive run of results. They have now defeated Manchester City, Atlético Madrid, and Inter in consecutive European matches. While my initial thought was to select Inter as the most likely to reverse the tie, I am now inclined to support the Norwegian side to see it through—though it will not be easy at the San Siro.

The other Italian teams with home advantage—Juventus and Atalanta—are also long shots to mount comebacks, but consider this instead: no team that lost the first leg will advance to the last 16.

Q4. Which performance (player or team) impressed you most in the first legs?

Ogden: It has to be Anthony Gordon. Scoring four goals in a Champions League match certainly earns him recognition.

The Newcastle forward joins an elite group of players who have accomplished this feat, including Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Andriy Shevchenko, Marco van Basten, and Robert Lewandowski—anyone who adds their name to that prestigious list deserves all the accolades that come their way. While Gordon is the standout individual this week, credit must also go to Newcastle as a team for securing a significant and decisive result in Azerbaijan. Chelsea drew away to Qarabag, and Eintracht Frankfurt lost in Baku, making this a challenging trip for Eddie Howe’s squad, which they navigated with ease.

Lindop: Gordon is my choice as well. The Newcastle forward has had a rather inconsistent couple of years after his impressive form led to speculation of a £70 million transfer to Liverpool in the summer of 2024. He has not scored enough goals for Newcastle over the past two seasons, but he certainly made up for it on Wednesday night.

He remains fully capable of delivering standout performances, and at 24, he still has the potential to improve further. With the World Cup approaching in a few months, his resurgence is beneficial for both club and country.

Marsden: It is difficult to disagree with the praise for Gordon. He is having an outstanding Champions League campaign.

However, since he has received ample recognition here already, let’s also highlight some honorable mentions: PSG’s Doué for his game-winning contribution off the bench, Madrid’s Vinícius for his remarkable goal on a challenging night in Lisbon, Bodø/Glimt for yet another impressive victory, and Club Brugge for their commendable attacking display in their 3-3 draw with Atlético Madrid, which arguably should have resulted in a win.

Tighe: Alright, Gordon has received enough accolades. Let’s shine a light on a player who contributed three goals on Wednesday during a memorable night for his club: Kasper Høgh of Bodø/Glimt.

He has displayed remarkable finishing ability over the past two seasons, but can we take a moment to appreciate his link-up and creative play as well? The Dane scored, but also assisted on two goals, one of which was truly exceptional. The reason Glimt is so enjoyable to watch in attack is that they navigate the center of the pitch better than almost anyone.

Rather than relying on wide combinations and crosses, they execute beautiful combinations in tight spaces just outside the penalty area, creating shooting opportunities that seem improbable. Høgh is crucial in both creating this space and converting these chances. He is having an incredible Champions League campaign.