Everything we Learned from the Final Leg of the Champions League Round of 16

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The second leg of the final games in the Champions League is over, and while there were heroics and upsets.

This past week also saw both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi exit at this stage in the competition for the second consecutive year.

Here’s everything we learned in Europe this week.

Juventus vs Villarreal

In what was probably the least discussed tie of the week, we saw easily the biggest upset. Villarreal managed to snatch a goal late on back on home soil in the first leg with Dani Parejo cancelling out Dusan Vlahovic’s goal, and the club became underdogs to advance through with a 1-1 aggregate score in Turin.

However, a stunning three goals in the last 15 minutes came for Unai Emery’s men as Gerard Moreno scored from the spot, before Pau Torres sealed the deal in the 85th minute. Arnaut Danjuma would score another penalty with seconds remaining, as Juventus were handed probably their worst knockout defeat in many years.

Lille vs Chelsea

Chelsea just had to keep their cool in France when they took with them a 2-0 aggregate lead to the Stade Pierre-Mauroy, but when Burak Yilmaz scored from the spot in the first half, the Blues no doubt got a bit concerned.

Christian Pulisic equalised before half time, and a Cesar Azpilicueta goal ensured safe passage for Chelsea into the last eight a 4-1 lead on aggregate and a 2-1 win on the night.

Atletico Madrid vs Manchester United

Despite the tension between club and fans after the game, in reality, it’s no real surprise Atletico Madrid beat Manchester United over two legs. Diego Simeone’s defensive brilliance came out in both fixtures, and starved United of any decent chances, bar that one effort that led to a goal from Anthony Elanga back in Madrid.

Renan Lodi, who was excellent in the first leg, scored as the first half was coming to a close in a game that was dominated by United on the possession table. They were, however, torrid in front of goal again, and Simeone’s men tactically embarrassed Ralf Rangnick’s side to give them a 2-1 win on aggregate and a 1-0 win in Manchester.

Ajax vs Benfica

While Villarreal’s stunning win over in Turin no doubt takes all the headlines, Benfica’s 1-0 victory over Ajax was in itself nothing short of incredible too as the Amsterdam side were tipped as the huge favorites to win here.

Sebastien Haller had 11 goals in just seven Champions League games heading into this one and with only nine goals conceded in the league, Ajax should have got the job done. However, a goal from Darwin Nunez later on in the second half gave the out-of-form Portuguese side a 1-0 win on the night and a 3-2 victory on aggregate.