Over the past week, the international break has been observed globally, with African nations participating in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers to secure their place in next year’s tournament. Nigeria travelled to Libya for the second leg of their tie, which was expected to be an exciting football match. However, the trip turned into a nightmare for the Nigerian team.

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What Happened Between the Two Countries

pic.twitter.com/UrMAawFdQb

— William Troost-Ekong (M.O.N) (@WTroostEkong) October 14, 2024

On Wednesday, October 9, 2024, the Libyan national team arrived in Nigeria for their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. Before their arrival, the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) had requested their travel details to make proper arrangements for landing in Uyo, the city where the match was scheduled. However, the Libyan team did not provide the requested information and unexpectedly landed in Port Harcourt instead.

Caught off guard, the NFF quickly organized transportation from Port Harcourt to Uyo. Though the Libyan team claimed they had arrangements for their journey, the NFF provided a security escort to ensure the team’s safe passage to the match venue. Despite the logistical issues, the match was held, with Nigeria winning 1-0. The return leg was then scheduled for Libya.

On Sunday, October 13, 2024, the Nigerian team departed from Kano to Libya for the second leg. However, shortly before their arrival, the Benghazi airport authorities, citing orders from higher officials, diverted the Nigerian plane. The Super Eagles were forced to land at Al Abraq Airport, a facility known to be inadequate for their needs and located far from Benghazi, where the match was set to take place.

Initially, the Nigerian players remained positive, but the situation deteriorated when the Libyan authorities held them at the airport for hours without food, water, and internet. After an 11-hour wait, the only transport provided was a substandard bus for a long, dangerous journey. Faced with safety concerns and poor conditions, the Nigerian team’s spirit started to wane as they questioned the Libyan authorities' treatment of their squad. Thankfully through the intervention of the Nigerian Minister of Sports John Enoh, the team was conveyed back to Nigeria.

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Reaction From Nigerian Players

This is getting scary now

You guys can have the point

We just want to return to our country

— Victor Boniface (@boniface_jrn) October 14, 2024

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The first player to raise concerns was team captain and former Watford defender, William Troost-Ekong, who took to his X page to inform Nigerians about the troubling situation in Libya. Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface, who was set to lead Nigeria’s attack, also voiced his concerns. As conditions showed no signs of improvement, the entire team, in solidarity, agreed to boycott the match.

Read Also: Europe's Top International Goalscorers: Cristiano Ronaldo extends his lead

CAF's Response to the Issue

CAF views the disturbing and unacceptable experiences of the Nigerian National Football Team (‘’Super Eagles’’) at an airport in Libya in a very serious lighthttps://t.co/ee4ibHIw4v

— CAF Media (@CAF_Media) October 14, 2024

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially removed the scheduled match between Nigeria and Libya from its fixture list and has pledged to launch an investigation into the incident.

Reports suggest that similar issues have occurred previously on Libyan soil, and severe sanctions will likely be imposed on Libya. Failing to address this situation with appropriate penalties could damage the credibility of African football and cast a negative shadow over the sport on the continent.

If Carlo Ancelotti decides to accept the Brazilian position, Real Madrid will be working on hiring Jurgen Klopp, who might make a spectacular comeback to management. Among Jurgen Klopp's greatest achievements was leading Liverpool to the Premier League and a UEFA Champions League title. He stepped down as manager after the 2023-24 season. He also led Borussia Dortmund to two Bundesliga titles. 

Read Also: Brazil wants to sign current Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti after recent humiliation against Argentina.

Jurgen Klopp is currently working as a leader of global soccer for the Red Bull group, Klopp stated that he would not manage another English club and might be he will not be interested with management forever. However, he could choose to coach a national team or take a job.

Either of those options might be presented soon to him. According to TRBFootball, Klopp is reportedly one of the options for Brazil's national team head coach after Dorival Junior's dismissal. However, Carlo Ancelotti is also Brazil's top pick, according to different reports, Brazil's national football management has even begun negotiations with him. 

🚨NEW: Real Madrid among three clubs eyeing Jurgen Klopp for a sensational return to management, @GraemeBailey. pic.twitter.com/e5moUf65EX

— LFC Transfer Room (@LFCTransferRoom) March 29, 2025

According to the reports, Klopp is one of the candidates Real Madrid is working on to replace their manager if Carlo Ancelotti departs. Los Blancos are looking for a manager who has worked with a mix of young players and superstars and the former Liverpool manager most definitely possesses that.

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As Real Madrid is one of the biggest clubs in the world, there would undoubtedly be some appeal if Klopp were to return to club management. Xabi Alonso, a former Real Madrid and Liverpool player is reportedly Los Blancos' preferred candidate.

 There is no assurance that he would accept the position at Real Madrid if it were offered, though, as he declined to leave his position at Bayer Leverkusen when the Liverpool position became available last year. That appears to be the case with Jurgen Klopp as well. But there is still a chance to connect with his former star Trent Alexander Arnold, who is rumored to be very close to joining Real Madrid.

There are many top football managers right now in the world of football, with some experienced veterans in the game continuing a wonderful 2024 season, while some young football managers are trying to crave their name among the world's best. With the 2024-25 season at the midway, there is plenty of time for the managers to stake a claim that they are deserving of a higher spot among the top football mangers right now.

In this article from Sportz Point, explore the top 10 best football managers in Europe, featuring legendary managers like Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti, who led their teams to glory.

What will be the ranking factors?

• Trophies they conquered
• Recent success
• Longevity in this sport
• Performance compared to expectations

10 best Football Managers Worldwide right now:

10. Unai Emery | Aston Villa:

Before the 2023-24 season kicked off very few would have given Aston Villa a chance to claim a spot in the UEFA Champions League 2024-25, but Unai Emery ensured that the Villains finished in the top four. The Spanish tactician has been highly regarded and among the top football managers right now. He won multiple UEFA Europa League with Sevilla. Nevertheless, Unai Emery has developed multiple players like John McGinn, Olie Watkins, and Enzi Konsas. 

Unai Emery's trophy cabinet:

• 4x Europa League winner (1x with Villarreal CF in 2020-21, and 3x with Sevilla FC in 2013-14, 14-15, and 15-16)
• 1x French Champion with Paris Saint Germain (2017-18)
• 2x French Cup Winner with Paris Saint Germain (2016-17 and 2017-18)
• 2x French League Cup winner with Paris Saint Germain (2016-17 and 2017-18)
• 2x French Super Cup winner with Paris Saint Germain (2016-17 and 2017-18)

9. Hansi Flick | FC Barcelona:

While his reputation was in the mud after a poor managerial spell in charge of the German national football team, Hansi Flick has reminded the world why he is among the top football managers right now. The former Bayern Munich settled in nicely at Camp Nou and had the Catalan giants flying at the top. Hansi Flick has proved himself to be an intelligent and tactically brilliant manager.

Hansi Flick's trophy cabinet:

• 1x FIFA World Cup with Germany (2014)
• 1x FIFA Club World Cup winner with Bayern Munich (2020-21)
• 1x UEFA Champions League winner (2019-20)
• 2x Bundesliga Champion with Bayern Munich (2019-20 and 2020-21)
• 1x German Cup winner with Bayern Munich (2020-21)
• 1x German Super Cup winner with Bayern Munich (2019-20)
• 1x Spanish Super Cup winner with FC Barcelona (2024-25)
• 4x Baden Cup winner with Hoffenheim (2001-02, 2002-03, 2003-04, 2004-05)

8. Jurgen Klopp | Currently unattached with any clubs:

Jurgen Klopp is currently not a manager, having left Liverpool FC at the end of the 2023-24 campaign. However, he will be honorably remembered as one of the greatest managers in the Premier League and also one of the top football managers right now.

The German tactician made Liverpool from a mid-table team to one of the title contenders in the Premier League title race. He now works in a non-coaching role for the Red Bull football group.

Jurgen Klopp's trophy Cabinet:

• 1x UEFA Champions League winner with Liverpool FC (2018-19)
• 1x FIFA Club World Cup winner with Liverpool FC (2019-20)
• 1x Premier League winner with Liverpool FC (2019-20)
• 1x English FA Cup winner with Liverpool FC (2021-22)
• 1x EFL Cup winner with Liverpool FC (2021-22 and 2023-24)
• 1x English Super Cup winner with Liverpool FC (2022-23)
• 1x UEFA Super Cup winner with Liverpool FC (2019-20)
• 2x Bundesliga Champions with Borussia Dortmund (2010-11, 2011-12)
• 1x German Cup winner with Borussia Dortmund (2011-12)
• 2x German Super Cup winner (2013-14 and 2014-15)

7. Diego Simeone | Atletico Madrid:

One of the longest-serving managers in Europe's top five leagues, Diego Simeone is floating among the top football managers right now. In the 2023-24 campaign, Atletico Madrid enjoyed another successful team as they qualified for the UEFA Champions League yet again. 

The disappointment will come with the lack of silverware collected as Atletico Madrid was knocked out of the UEFA Champions League 2024-25 season in the quarterfinals despite being one of the favorites to win the title. 

Diego Simeone's trophy cabinet:

• 2x Spanish Champion with Atletico Madrid (2020-21 and 2013-14)
• 2x UEFA Super Cup Champions with Atletico Madrid (2012-13 and 2018-19)
• 2x UEFA Europa League winner with Atletico Madrid (2011-12 and 2017-18)
• 1x Spanish Super Cup winner with Atletico Madrid (2013-14)
• 1x Spanish Cup winner with Atletico Madrid (2012-13)
• 2x Argentine Champions 1x with Club Estudiantes de La Plata (2005-06) and 1x with River Plate (2007-08)

6. Mikel Arteta | Arsenal:

Arsenal fans would back their boss as the best on the planet as Mikel Arteta has transformed the club's fortunes in recent years and had them in contention to win the Premier League title for a second successive season.

 If the Gunners had become champions of England for the first time in 20 years, the Spanish tactician would have been praised as a hero. Despite, his failure to conquer silverware, he is one of the top football managers right now.

Mikel Arteta's trophy Cabinet:

• 2x English Champion with Manchester City (2017-18 and 2018-19)
• 2x English FA Cup winner 1x with Arsenal (2019-20) and 1x with Manchester City (2018-19)
• 3x English Super Cup Winner 1x with Manchester City (2018-19) and 2x with Arsenal (2020-21 and 2023-24)
• Note: Mikel Arteta was Pep Guardiola's assistant at Manchester City.

5. Xabi Alonso | Bayer 04 Leverkusen:

The work Xabi Alonso has done during his two seasons at Bayer Leverkusen is incredible. His team went on the longest unbeaten run in Europe's top 10 leagues and knocked Bayern Munich off their Bundesliga rest for the first time in over a decade, because of his tactical masterclass he is among the top football managers right now.

 Alonso lifted the German league title and added the 2024 DFB Pokal to Leverkusen's trophy cabinet, but he ultimately fell short in the Europa League, overall, it was a tremendous season.

Xabi Alonso's trophy cabinet:

• 1x Bundesliga Champion with Bayer 04 Leverkusen (2023-24)
• 1x German Super Cup winner with Bayer 04 Leverkusen (2023-24)
• 1x DFB Pokal winner with Bayer 04 Leverkusen (2023-24)

4. Simone Inzaghi | Inter Milan:

To be ranked above the likes of Klopp, Alonso, and Arteta in 2024 is an incredible achievement and a testament to the work Simone Inzaghi has done at Inter Milan. The Serie A title returned to the Italian giants after they secured the trophy in the best way possible, against fierce rivals AC Milan at the San Siro.

He also came so close to being the first Inter boss to bring the Champions League back to Italy in the 2022/23 season, narrowly losing in the final against Manchester City. Surely, he is among the top football managers right now.

Simone Inzaghi's trophy cabinet:

• 1x Italian Champion with Inter Milan (2023-24)
• 3x Italian Cup winner 1x with Lazio (2018-19) and 2x with Inter Milan (2021-22 and 2022-23)
• 2x Coppa Italia winner with Lazio (2013-14 and 2014-15)
• 1x Italian Supercoppa winner with Lazio (2014-15)
• -5x Italian Super Cup winner 2x with Lazio (2017-18 and 2019-20) and 3x with Inter Milan (2021-22, 2022-23, and 2023-24)
• Note: He was Lazio's under-19 team coach

3. Arne Slot | Liverpool FC:

After a solid run with Feyenoord, Arne Slot was chosen to replace Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool last summer. Considering the legacy that the former coach left behind at Anfield, Slot had a lot to live up to, and it would have been easy for the pressure to get to him quickly.

Instead, he's taken the Reds and shot them straight to the top of the Premier League. He enjoyed the best start of any manager in Liverpool's history and is showing no signs of slowing down right now. His managerial spell with Feyenoord was enough to make his name among the top football managers right now.

Arne Slot's trophy Cabinet:

• 1x Dutch Champion with Feyenoord (2022-23)
• 1x Dutch Cup winner with Feyenoord (2022-23)

2. Carlo Ancelotti | Real Madrid CF:

As one of the few people to have won the European Cup as both a player and manager, Carlo Ancelotti will leave an ever-lasting legacy. The Italian first dipped his toe in the world of management in 1995 and, almost three decades later, he is still among the top football managers right now.

The 65-year-old has won league titles in four of the top five European leagues: England, Spain, Germany, Italy, and France, and most recently secured a Spanish league and Champions League double.

Carlo Ancelotti's trophy cabinet:

• 5x UEFA Champions League winner 2x with AC Milan (2002-03, 2006-07) and 3x with Real Madrid (2013-14, 2021-22, 2022-23)
• 2x Spanish Champion with Real Madrid (2021-22 and 2023-24)
• 1x Premier League Champion with Chelsea (2009-10)
• 1x Italian Champion with AC Milan (2003-04)
• 1x French Champion with Paris Saint-German (2012-13)
• 1x German Champion with Bayern Munich (2016-17)
• 3x FIFA Club World Cup Champion 1x with AC Milan (2007-08), 2x with Real Madrid (2014-15 & 2022-23)
• 1x FIFA Intercontinental Cup winner with Real Madrid (2023-24)
• 5x UEFA Super Cup winner 2x with AC Milan (2003-04, 2007-08) and 3x with Real Madrid (2014-15, 2022-23, 2024-25)
• 2x Spanish Cup winner (2013-14 and 2022-23)
• 1x Italian Cup winner (2002-03)
• 2x German Super Cup winner (2016-17 & 2017-18)
• 2x Spanish Super Cup winner with Real Madrid (2021-22 and 2023-24)
• 1x English Super Cup winner with Chelsea (2009-10)

1. Pep Guardiola | Manchester City:

Pep Guardiola ranks first among the top football managers right now. Pep Guardiola still has enough credit in the bank to be regarded as the best manager in world football. Manchester City won a fourth consecutive Premier League title under the former Barcelona man, and yet 2023/24 still felt like a slightly underwhelming campaign. Those are the high standards set by the Catalan genius.

Guardiola has cemented himself as one of the greatest managers of all time. While his side has struggled as of late, there is no doubt that the former Barcelona man is still the best manager in the world.

Pep Guardiola's trophy cabinet:

• 3x UEFA Champions League winner 2x with FC Barcelona (2008-09 & 2010-11) and 1x with Manchester City (2022-23)
• 4x FIFA Club World Cup winner 2x with FC Barcelona (2008-09 & 2010-11) 1x with Bayern Munich (2013-14) and 1x with Manchester City (2023-24)
• 3x German Champion with Bayern Munich (2013-14, 2015-16, and 2014-15)
• 3x Spanish Champion with FC Barcelona (2008-09, 2009-10, and 2010-11)
• 6x English Champion with Manchester City (2017-18, 2018-19, 2020-21, 2021-22, 2022-23, and 2023-24)
• 4x UEFA Super Cup winner: 1x with Manchester City (2023-24), 1x with Bayern Munich (2013-14), 2x with FC Barcelona (2009-10 and 2011-12)
• 2x DFB Pokal winner with Bayern Munich (2013-14 and 2015-16)
• 2x English FA Cupo winner with Manchester City (2018-19 and 2022-23)
• 2x Spanish Cup winner with FC Barcelona (2008-09 and 2011-12)
• 3x Spanish Super Cup winner with FC Barcelona (2008-09, 2009-10, 2011-12)
• 4x EFL Cup winner with Manchester City (2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20, 2020-21)
• 3x English Super Cup winner with Manchester City (2018-19, 2019-20, 2024-25)

The UEFA Champions League 2024-25 Round of 16 Second Leg has ended, concluding the round with eight teams that have earned their qualification into the Champions League Quarter Finals this season.

Read Also | UEFA Champions League 2024-25 Quarterfinals schedule: Everything you need to know

Paris Saint-Germain stunned Liverpool in the second leg, managing a 1-0 win in the regulation time before knocking the league phase leaders out of the competition following a 4-1 win on penalties.

Barcelona dominated over Benfica, earning a 3-1 victory at home to secure the quarter-final place with a 4-1 aggregate. Bayern Munich also clinched a 2-0 win against Bayer Leverkusen, advancing to the quarters with a 5-0 cushion across two legs.

Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid fought till the last minute as Atletico managed a 1-0 win to equalize the tie, but Los Blancos secured a 4-2 victory on penalties to advance to the quarters.

Read Also | UEFA Champions League 2024-25 Round of 16 First Leg Round Up

UEFA Champions League 2024-25 Round of 16 Second Leg Round Up

FC Barcelona 3-1 Benfica (4-1 Agg)

Raphinha and Lamine Yamal led from the front to help FC Barcelona win 3-1 against Benfica in the return leg, accumulating a 4-1 aggregate to progress through to the quarter-finals.

Raphinha opened the scoring in the 11th minute, as Otamendi equalized just two minutes later. However, a world-class strike from Lamine Yamal and Raphinha's second goal produced a dominant win for Blaugranas, despite a goalless second half.

Barcelona will take on Borussia Dortmund in the quarter-finals.

Read Also | Barcelona vs Benfica UEFA Champions League 2024-25 RO16 Second Leg Highlights: Barcelona through to quarter-finals with an easy 4-1 win on aggregate

Inter Milan 2-1 Feyenoord (4-1 Agg)

Inter Milan stamped a well-deserved 2-1 victory over Feyenoord at the San Siro, winning the tie on a 4-1 aggregate to advance to the quarter-finals.

Marcus Thuram netted an early goal in the eighth minute, that was canceled out by Jakub Moder, who equalized from the spot in the 42nd minute. However, Hakan Çalhanoğlu fired the winner with a boastful penalty in the 51st minute.

Inter Milan will go against Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals.

Liverpool 0-1 Paris Saint-Germain (1-1 Agg, 1-4 pens)

Arguably, this tie has produced the most gripping and absorbing footballing actions across two legs in the RO16 this season. After a fighting 1-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain at Parc de Princes, Liverpool crashed out of the UCL 2024-25 following a 1-4 defeat on penalties.

Ousmane Dembele drew the first blood early in the 12th minute, but almost 110 minutes of football afterwards failed to decide a winner, ending the tie on a 1-1 aggregate.

However, Gianluigi Donnarumma became a wall between PSG's sticks in the penalties, saving two penalties of Darwin Nunez and Curtis Jones to hand PSG the advantage in a nail-biting shootout. Desire Doue netted the winning penalty for PSG, taking them to the quarters. 

Les Parisiens will meet Aston Villa in the quarter-finals.

Read Also | Liverpool vs Paris Saint-Germain Highlights UEFA Champions League 2024-25 RO16 Second Leg | PSG advances, Liverpool crash out after losing on penalties | FT LIV 0-1 PSG (1-1 AGG, 1-4 pens)

Bayer Leverkusen 0-2 Bayern Munich (0-5 Agg)

Bayern Munich had another composed victory over Bayer Leverkusen, beating them 2-0 to progress through the next stage with a commendable 5-0 aggregate.

Harry Kane and Alphonso Davies scored in the 52nd and the 71st minute respectively, leading the German side to the UCL 2024-25 quarter-finals.

Read Also | Bayer Leverkusen vs Bayern Munich Highlights UEFA Champions League 2024-25 Round of 16 2nd Leg: Bayern secures their spot in the quarter-finals | LEV 0-2 BAY (Agg. BAY 5-0 LEV)

Lille OSC 1-2 Borussia Dortmund (2-3 Agg)

Borussia Dortmund pulled off a sensational comeback against Lille OSC in the second leg, winning 2-1 against the French side to qualify for the quarters with a 3-2 aggregate.

Jonathan David opened the account for Lille only 5 minutes into the game, as the first half ended with Lille leading 2-1 in the tie. However, Emre Can converted the spotkick in the 54th minute to equalize the game, as Maxilmilian Beier netted a sublime curler in the 65th minute to hand Dortmund a comeback victory.

Dortmund will lock horns against FC Barcelona in the quarter-finals.

Read Also | Lille OSC vs Borussia Dortmund Highlights UEFA Champions League 2024-25 RO16 Second Leg | Dortmund wins a thrilling contest with a second-half comeback; advances to the quarters | FT LIL 1-2 BVB (AGG 2-3)

Aston Villa 3-0 Club Brugge (6-1 Agg)

Aston Villa earned a comfortable 3-0 victory over ten-men Club Brugge in the second leg to enter the quarters with a 6-1 score on aggregate.

After a goalless first half, Marco Asensio scored a brace in the 50th and 61st minute respectively, accompanied by Ian Maatsen who found the back of the net in the 57th minute. 

Aston Villa will face Paris Saint-Germain in the quarter-finals.

Read Also | Aston Villa vs Club Brugge UEFA Champions League 2024-25 RO16 Second Leg Highlights: Villa to face PSG in quarters after a 3-0 win (6-1 agg)

Arsenal 2-2 PSV Eindhoven (9-3 Agg)

After producing a 7-1 crushing in the first leg, Arsenal shared the spoils in a 2-2 stalemate with PSV in the return leg. Despite the draw, Arsenal are through to the quarters with a massive 9-3 win on aggregate.

Oleksandr Zinchenko scored early in the sixth minute of the game. However, Ivan Perisic equalized in the 18th minute for the visiting side. Declan Rice netted a banger in the 37th minute, but PSV pulled off another equalizing goal in the 70th minute as Couhaib Driouech scored in his first UCL start.

The game ended in a 2-2 draw, as Arsenal progressed onto the quarters, where they will go against the defending champions Real Madrid.

Atletico Madrid 1-0 Real Madrid (2-2 Agg, 2-4 pens)

The Madrid Derby in the return leg gifted another spectacular game of football. Atletico madrid levelled the tie with a 1-0 win after 120 minutes, but Real Madrid emerged victorious on penalties, winning 4-2 to march onto the quarters.

Atletico midfielder Connor Gallagher scored only 30 seconds after the kickoff, but both teams failed to find the net in the remaining minutes, leading the tie to a 2-2 aggregate.

However, Julian Alvarez's spotkick in the shootout was canceled for an apparent double touch. Atletico fell behind, but Real Madrid's fourth penalty, taken by Lucas Vanquez, was denied by Jan Oblak.

Following that, Marcos Llorente had a chance to pull Atletico back in the game, but he hit the woodwork under pressure. Antonio Rugider netted the winning penalty for Real Madrid. Los Blancos will face Arsneal in the quarters.

Read Also | Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid CF Highlights UEFA Champions League RO16 Second Leg: Real Madrid secures their spot in the quarterfinals after defeating Atletico on the penalties | ATM 1(2)-(4)0 RMA (AGG. RMA 2-2 ATM)

Hello and welcome to another UEFA Champions League night. Tonight, we will cover the high-intensity match-up in the UCL 2024-25 Round of 16 second leg as Bayer Leverkusen will face off against Bayern Munich at the BayArena in Leverkusen.

Bayer Leverkusen will be at home but making a comeback from here is going to be a big mountain to climb. They are down by three goals as they had a loose defense. On the other hand, Bayern Munich will be away from home, but they will be confident enough as they have a three-goal cushion and need to defend it here. 

READ ALSO: FC Bayern Munich vs Bayer Leverkusen Highlights UEFA Champions League 2024-25: Kane Brace Leads Bayern to Dominant 3-0 Win Over Ten-Men Leverkusen | FT' Bayern Munich 3-0 Leverkusen

So, sit back and relax as Swastik Debnath brings you the buildup, news, images, live scores, news, and updates of the Bayer Leverkusen vs FC Bayern Munich match from our webdesk.

Moreover, you can follow us on Twitter for all the updates. Join our Telegram and WhatsApp channels to get all the news and scorelines.

Following the conclusion of the UEFA Champions League 2024-25 Round of 16 First Leg, we can presume the potential entrants into the UCL quarter-finals, whereas the fate of some match-ups will be decided in the second leg.

Liverpool, the league phase leaders, managed a hard-fought 1-0 win against PSG; whereas ten-men Barcelona snatched a narrow 1-0 victory over Benfica. Real Madrid emerged victorious by 2-1 in the Madrid Derby against Atletico Madrid.

On the contrary, Bayern Munich thrashed Bayer Leverkusen 3-0 and Arsenal ran riot over PSV, winning 7-1 to practically secure their advancement to the next round of the competition.

Read Also | UEFA Champions League 2024-25 Knockout Stage Draw: Round of 16, Quarter-Final, and Semi-Final

UEFA Champions League 2024-25 Round of 16 First Leg Round Up

Club Brugge 1-3 Aston Villa

Aston Villa salvaged two late goals to triumph 3-1 over Club Brugge in the first leg of the RO16 tie at the Jan Breydel Stadium in Bruges, Belgium.

Leon Bailey opened the account for Aston Villa in only three minutes into the game. Club Brugge quickly answered with Maxim De Cuyper scoring in the 12th minute. 

However, Bruges defender Brandon Mechele scored a cheeky own goal to hand Villa the lead in the 82nd minute. Following that, Marco Asensio scored from the spot in the 88th minute, securing a two-goal lead for Aston Villa in the first leg.

Real Also | Club Brugge vs Aston Villa Highlights UEFA Champions League 2024-25 Round of 16: Aston Villa will face Club Brugge in the second leg with a two-goal lead

Real Madrid 2-1 Atlético Madrid

Real Madrid impressively managed a 2-1 victory in the first leg of the 'Madrid Derby' against Atletico Madrid, in one of the biggest fixtures of UCL 2024-25 RO16 this season.

Rodrygo scored a spectacular goal from Los Blancos in the fourth minute of the game, with Julian Alvarez canceling it out with another world-class strike in the 32nd minute.

However, Brahim Diaz scored the winner for Real Madrid in the 55th minute to hand Atletico a one-goal deficit ahead of the second leg.

Real Also | Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid Highlights UEFA Champions League 2024-25: Real Madrid secure narrow victory over Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the Round of 16

PSV 1-7 Arsenal

Arsenal ran demolition over PSV, crushing the Dutch side 7-1 in the first leg at the Philips Stadion in Eindhoven, Netherlands, practically securing their quarter-final tickets.

Jurrien Timber opened the scoring for Arsenal in the 18th minute, as Ethan Nwaneri doubled the lead in the 21st minute. Mikel Merino extended the lead in the 31st minutes, but PSV pulled off a goal from Noa Lang's spotkick in the 43rd minute.

Arsenal's scoring spree continued in the second half, with Martin Odegaard and Leandro Trossard scoring consecutively in the 47th and the 48th minute. Odegaard completed his brace in the 73rd minute, and Ricardo Calafiori put the final coffin on the nail in the 85th minute.

Borussia Dortmund 1-1 LOSC

Borussia Dortmund and Lille OSC shared an exciting 1-1 stalemate in the first leg at the Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund, with everything to play for in the second leg.

Karim Adeyemi netted an absolute banger in the 22nd minute of the match. Following that, Borussia found the equalizer in the 68th minute with Haraldsson tapping the ball home.

Feyenoord 0-2 Inter Milan

Inter Milan earned a dominant first-leg lead over Feyenoord, winning 2-0 in Rotterdam to manage a two-goal cushion ahead of the reverse fixture.

Marcus Thuram found the breakthrough for Inter in the 38th minute with a volleyed strike. Shortly after the break, Lautaro Martinez doubled the Nerazzurri's lead with a superb strike, also becoming Inter's all-time leading goalscorer in UCL.

The Italian outfit were close to adding a third goal from the spot, but Piotr Zieliński's penalty was well saved by Feyenoord custodian Timon Wellenreuther.

Bayern Munich 3-0 Bayer Leverkusen

Bayern Munich eased past Bayer Leverkusen in the first-ever all-German tie in the UCL, beating the Bundesliga counterparts 3-0 at the Allianz Arena.

Harry Kane opened the account for Bayern only nine minutes into the game, scoring a powerful header. In the 54th minute, Jamal Musiala extended the lead as he slashed it home from a rebound.

Leverkusen defender Nordi Mukiele was shown a second yellow and was sent off in the 62nd minute, resulting in the third goal for Bayern. Harry Kane completed his brace in the 75th minute by scoring from the penalty spot to hand Bayern a comfortable victory.

Read Also | FC Bayern Munich vs Bayer Leverkusen Highlights UEFA Champions League 2024-25: Kane's Brace leads Bayern to dominant 3-0 Win over ten-men Leverkusen

Benfica 0-1 Barcelona

Keeper Wojciech Szczęsny's trusted gloves resisted the fall of a ten-men FC Barcelona against Benfica in the first leg at Estádio da Luz, leading them to a slender 1-0 victory.

Defender Pau Cubarsi was sent off in the 22nd minute of the game, following a straight red card. Barcelona were down to ten men, but Wojciech Szczęsny became unbreakable beneath the sticks, making a massive eight saves on the way.

The only goal of the match came off Raphinha's magical feet, as the Brazilian found the back of the net with a sublime long-ranger strike that went past Trubin through the left-bottom corner.

PSG 0-1 Liverpool

It was another Champions League classic at Parc des Princes as Liverpool salvaged a narrow 1-0 victory against Paris Saint-Germain in an electric encounter.

Liverpool custodian Alisson Becker became absolute impregnable against continuous efforts from PSG attackers, especially Ousmane Dembele and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Alisson was only beaten once in the 20th minute, when a marvellous curler from Kvaratskhelia ended up in the net, but was cancelled for offside.

Alisson made nine saves in the whole game, whereas Liverpool earned the winning goal in the 87th minute as Harvey Elliot fired his strike past Donnarumma, only 47 seconds after coming off the bench.

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