Champions League Round of 16 Concludes with Stunning Upsets and Star Performances

The UEFA Champions League Round of 16 concluded Tuesday night with a series of dramatic matches that have completely altered the tournament's complexion heading into next month's quarterfinal draw. While powerhouses Manchester City and Real Madrid advanced as expected, several stunning upsets have opened the door for new contenders to make deep runs in Europe's most prestigious club competition.

The biggest shock of the round came at the Allianz Arena, where Bayern Munich was eliminated by AC Milan in a thrilling 4-3 aggregate victory for the Italian giants. Milan overcame a 2-1 first-leg deficit with a spectacular 3-1 victory in Munich, highlighted by a hat-trick from Portuguese striker Rafael Leão. The performance marked Milan's first victory at Bayern Munich since 1969 and sends them to their first Champions League quarterfinal since their triumph in 2007.

Manchester City continued their relentless pursuit of European glory with a comprehensive 5-1 aggregate victory over Atlético Madrid. Erling Haaland was in devastating form across both legs, scoring four goals including a perfect hat-trick in the return leg at the Etihad Stadium. Pep Guardiola's side has now scored 23 goals in their six Champions League matches this season, establishing themselves as the clear favorites to win their second consecutive European title.

Real Madrid's experience showed as they navigated a tricky tie against RB Leipzig with a 3-2 aggregate victory. Vinícius Júnior's crucial away goal in Germany proved decisive, while veteran midfielder Luka Modrić rolled back the years with a masterful performance in the Santiago Bernabéu return leg. At 40 years old, Modrić continues to defy Father Time and remains integral to Madrid's success in the competition they have won a record 15 times.

Perhaps the most entertaining tie of the round saw Barcelona edge Paris Saint-Germain 6-5 on aggregate in a goal-fest that had everything. The second leg at the Camp Nou featured five goals in the final 30 minutes, with teenage sensation Pedri scoring the decisive goal in the 88th minute to send the Catalan crowd into delirium. PSG's Kylian Mbappé scored in both legs but couldn't prevent his side from another Champions League disappointment.

The quarterfinal draw, scheduled for Friday at UEFA headquarters in Switzerland, will feature an intriguing mix of traditional powers and emerging challengers. AC Milan's presence adds nostalgic appeal, while Manchester City's dominance makes them the team everyone wants to avoid. With no clear outsiders remaining in the competition, the path to the final at Wembley Stadium in June appears more open than ever.