Topics: UEFA Champions League, Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Lionel Messi, Arda Turan, Marco Reus
Here is a preview of the sixth round of UCL matches played on Tuesday and Wednesday this week.

It is that time of the week to reflect on the just-concluded UEFA Champions League fixtures. It has been two days of record-breaking performances, disappointments and comebacks. And even before we find out which teams will face off against each other on Monday when the last 16 draw will be conducted, here is a preview of matchday six of this prestigious competition.

First things first, here are the team that made it to the knockout phase

Goodbye second place! Sincerely, Arsenal

Premier League side Arsenal secured a 4-1 win over FC Basel thanks to Lucas Perez’s hat-trick. The best thing about this result was the fact that the Gunners had finally managed to finish top of their UCL group for the first time in five years. Now at least they know how it feels to be at the top of the table, especially after spending many seasons at the fourth place in the Premier League and second spot in the group stage of the UCL.

The Spaniard celebrates his hat-trick vs Basel. He has three goals in two appearances in the UCL this seasonThe Spaniard celebrates his hat-trick vs Basel. He has three goals in two appearances in the UCL this season.Current mood at the Emirates

But even as the North Londoners continue to celebrate avoiding Barcelona in the last round of 16, they still have the last likes of Real Madrid and Bayern Munich to worry about. You all know that no team would want to face the defending champions of this tournament especially at such an early stage, and speaking of Bayern Munich, it is the side that knocked the Gunners out in the last 16 in 2013 and 2014. Which team will the North Londoners face in the knockouts? That’s a good reason to keep an eye on the last 16 draw on Monday. 

Arda Turan messes up Messi’s attempt 

When Barcelona faced Borussia Monchengladbach on Tuesday, all eyes were on Lionel Messi. The Argentine needed a brace to equal the record set by his rival Cristiano Ronaldo as the best goal scorer in the group stage of the Champions League. Leo only scored once and guess who scored the other three goals? It’s not Luis Suarez or Neymar – it’s Arda Turan!

Turan (left) celebrates his third goal against Gladbach with teammate Lionel MessiTuran (left) celebrates his third goal against Gladbach with teammate Lionel MessiHard work can never go unrecognized

Arda Turan in the UCL this season

  • 147 minutes playes
  • 4 goals scored
  • 1 assist
  • 6 shots on target 

Well, that was quite unexpected but at least, La Pulga has now become the fourth all-time Barcelona player with the most appearances for the club. Only Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta and Carles Puyol come ahead of him. As for the goal-scoring record, the 30-year-old will have to wait a little bit longer. Better luck next time, Leo!

Real Madrid swap places with Arsenal

As Arsenal got tired of finishing second in their UCL groups for five consecutive seasons, it seems like Los Blancos were tired of the opposite – finishing first. The Madrid giants registered a 2-2 draw with their Bundesliga counterparts Borussia Dortmund at the Santiago Bernabeu – a result that made them finish second in the group for the first time since the 2012/13 season. Interestingly, the last time Los Blancos failed to finish at the top of their UCL group, they were in the same group with Dortmund. Let’s just call it the BVB curse, for now. 

Here is another look at the group winners and runners up 

Marco Reus rules 

Then there’s the return of injury-prone BVB winger Marco Reus. Despite his proven track-record with injuries, Reus has already scored four goals in two UCL games this season, and was on target for the visitors at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday. His goal meant that the German giants had scored 21 goals in the group stage of UCL, an achievement never reached by any side in Europe. And as many players return from injury struggling to find form, the 27-year-old has returned in style, more like someone who was on vacation or annual leave rather than a sickbed.

All eyes now turn to Switzerland on Monday for the last 16 draw. This will mark the begining of other exciting fixtures, records, surprises and dissapointments. Keep it here at LiveSoccerTV.com for the latest UCL news, analysis and live broadcast information.