The UCL last 16 matches came with their own set of results that many football fans across the world did not anticipate. It was a week full of drama and unexpected performances from players who's careers had taken a slump in the recent past. Notable giants were slayed and underdogs reigned. Here's our post-UCL preview:
Barcelona and Arsenal played 'four' nothing
It wasn't a good week for Barcelona who were mauled 4-0 by PSG in the first leg in France. And then Arsenal received a footballing lesson in Germany when Bayern Munich whipped them 5-1 in a one-sided affair, particularly in the second half. Still in Germany Atletico Madrid won 4-2 against hosts Bayer Luverkusen in an equally entertaining game.
Granit Xhaka of Arsenal walks past Bayern Munich players as they celebrate scoring Thomas Muller's goal
But the best match of the first leg of the last 16 was the Man City vs Monaco tie. This 8-goal thriller kept viewers at the edge of their seats as action swung from end to end. Monaco's Radamel Falcao scored a worldie past Willy Cabalallero, and Aguero also responded with a brilliant volley.
The iconic photo of Falcao celebrating his golazo against the Sky Blues at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester.jpg)
Top goalscorers and assist providers
Lionel Messi, despite failing to find the back of net against PSG, still leads he top scorers list with 10 goals. He is followed closely by Edinson Cavani (7 goals) and Robert Lewandowski (6 goals). His Barcelona counterpart Neymar, who was also dimmed against Les Parisiens on Tuesday, leads the assists charts with 7 assists. Four-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo comes second with five, while BVB youngster Ousmane Dembele seals the top three with four assists.
The tops and flops
Former Real Madrid man Angel Di Maria was on fire against his former rival Barcelona. The Argentine scored a brace for PSG on his birthday, which he shares with teammate Cavani who also scored. Former Atletico Madrid, Man Utd and Chelsea man Radamel Falcao was also at the top of his game scoring a beautiful goal against Man City - the goal was arguably the best of UCL last 16 first round. Wasn't it?
Les Parisiens celebrate Di Maria's goal vs the Catalan giants on Tuesday at Parc de Princes, Paris, France. .jpg)
Then the flop of the week was Mesut Ozil. Did you just notice how he casually stood aside as Arjen Robben weaved his way past Arsenal defenders and scored a trademark left-footed golazo at the Allianz Arena? For some reason, most Arsenal fans have stopped chanting the 'We've got Ozil' chants and are now asking the player to improve or leave the club.
Sutton should just beat us in the FA cup..Ozil, Alexis and Arsene should leave.. Let's start all over again.. It can't be worse than this
— Someone Somewhere (@cesc4real99) February 15, 2017
Stunning finish from Robben...can't help but think Ozil could have done more than stand still though pic.twitter.com/GwGBhSfjsT
— Adam Boultwood (@adamboultwood) February 15, 2017
That clip of Ozil doing nothing to try and prevent Robben's goal makes me so angry and I don't even support Arsenal!
— Patrick Mackinney (@_Mackinney) February 16, 2017
The German midfielder reacts to Arsenal conceding against Bayern at the Allianz Arena.jpg)
What to expect in the second leg
Thrillers, thrillers and more thrillers - that is simply what we look forward to in the return legs. Barcelona and Arsenal have a 4-goal deficit to overturn at Nou Camp and Emirates respectively, Falcao and Co. aren't yet done with the Citizens, and then there's the second clash of legends as Juventus welcome Porto in Turin. The Buffon vs Casillas battle is one thing you don't want to miss.
Too much grateness as Gianluigi Buffon and Iker Casillas exchange shirts after their UCL match. Juventus won the match 2-0 in Portugal
Champions League fantasy team of the week
The top-scoring #UCL fantasy side from the last-16 openers pic.twitter.com/i07dMZcqGq
— Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) February 23, 2017
Match details, result and original broadcast info
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