European football fans were treated to four memorable Champions League clashes across Tuesday and Wednesday, with goals flying in around the continent.
Remarkably, the quarter-final first legs produced a total of 18 goals (4.5 goals per game). The lowest-scoring match dished up three goals, while the highest-scoring clash produced six goals.
Let’s take a closer look at the stats and trends behind the four outstanding Champions League quarter-final first legs.
🗑️ Top bins from Foden😮 Valverde on the volley🔗 Pedri and Raphinha combine 💫 A curler from GvardiolAn INCREDIBLE Goal of the Week contest 🤤#UCLGOTW || @Heineken— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) April 10, 2024
🗑️ Top bins from Foden😮 Valverde on the volley🔗 Pedri and Raphinha combine 💫 A curler from GvardiolAn INCREDIBLE Goal of the Week contest 🤤#UCLGOTW || @Heineken
Arsenal raced into an early lead when Bukayo Saka scored inside 12 minutes at the Emirates. However, goals from Serge Gnabry and Harry Kane handed Bayern Munich a 2-1 lead at half time.
After the break, substitute Leandro Trossard equalised to earn the Gunners a draw on home soil. Both sides were denied contentious penalties, although a draw felt like the right result.
Despite racking up 60% possession and 13 shots, Mikel Arteta’s men failed to make the most of their dominance and could regret missing a host of chances.
Tuesday’s clash at the Bernabeu saw three goals in the opening 14 minutes. Bernardo Silva put Manchester City ahead with a clever free kick, but Real Madrid swiftly made it 2-1.
Phil Foden and Josko Gvardiol both scored long-range screamers in the second half, but Federico Valverde’s impressive 79th-minute volley levelled the scoreline once again.
Pep Guardiola’s side enjoyed 62% of the ball, while Los Blancos chalked up 14 shots. Both teams could have won the first leg, although a draw sets up an epic second leg.
Barcelona went into the break with a 1-0 lead thanks to Raphinha’s 37th-minute opener. However, two goals in two second-half minutes saw PSG turn the game on its head.
Just past the hour mark, Raphinha scored again to make it 2-2, before Andreas Christensen came off the bench to find the winning goal for the visitors at the Parc des Princes.
16-year-old Lamine Yamal and 17-year-old Pau Cubarsi starred for Barca, while Paris superstar Kylian Mbappe endured a quiet night by his standards.
Rodrigo De Paul scored after just four minutes to give Atletico Madrid the perfect start against Borussia Dortmund, with Samuel Lino making it 2-0 before half time.
🔝 stops from Kobel, Donnarumma, Oblak and Lunin 🧤Which was the best save? @TurkishAirlines || #UCLsaves pic.twitter.com/0hnCbxqzV6— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) April 10, 2024
🔝 stops from Kobel, Donnarumma, Oblak and Lunin 🧤Which was the best save? @TurkishAirlines || #UCLsaves pic.twitter.com/0hnCbxqzV6
Diego Simeone’s side appeared to be in complete control, with a clean sheet looking likely. However, Sebastien Haller pulled a goal back for the visitors on 81 minutes.
Despite registering just 33% possession, Atletico notched 14 shots, nine of which were on target. Still, they allowed BVB back into the contest, setting up an intriguing second leg.