Following the shock exits of European giants Manchester City and Juventus in the playoff round, much of the same could be expected in the competition's next two weeks.
Unsung heroes reveal why Real are the kings of Europe
Carlo Ancelotti relied on a group of unsung heroes, not just big names like Kylian Mbappé or Vinícius Júnior, to deliver results.
Rodrygo opened the scoring for Los Blancos, and Brahim Díaz's second-half goal sealed the victory.
Federico Valverde was also instrumental, as he continues to excel as a right-back while also setting up Rodrygo's early goal.
Even when their stars aren't firing on all cylinders, Real Madrid still performs when it counts the most, thanks in large part to how good they are outside of the names that so often steal the spotlight.
Arsenal still has goals in it
Mikel Arteta's side, depleted of key attacking players and currently experiencing a dry spell in front of goal, were expected to face Peter Bosz's free-scoring Boeren.
However, that was not the case at Philips Stadion tonight, as the Gunners easily passed the test, winning 7-1.
Three goals in the first half put Arsenal ahead on the night, and four more after the break all but ensured their passage into the quarterfinals, as well as becoming the first team to ever hit PSV for five goals or more on a European night at home.
The longer Arsenal can stay in the European dogfight, the better their chances of being a surprise package when their key players return to action, and hopefully the goals will not dry up after tonight.
Alvarez continues to bloom after the Atleti move
With Erling Haaland still reigning supreme as the undisputed monarch in those parts, the opportunity to play a more influential role at the Metropolitano under compatriot Diego Simeone was too appealing to pass up. And, thus far, it has proven correct.
Though it took him a while to get going in the Spanish capital, Alvarez has found his groove in recent weeks, which he capped off with a goal tonight to keep Atleti in the tie after a narrow 2-1 loss in the first leg.
It was his sixth goal in his last six Colchoneros appearances, following a brace against Valencia and goals against Barcelona, Athletic Club, and Real Madrid in their previous Madrid derby last month.
Still only 25, he will undoubtedly deliver more, often at critical junctures.
Aston Villa may be struggling to keep up with the bigger fish in the Premier League, but Unai Emery's side is having a good time on the continent, with one foot in the quarterfinals against Club Brugge tonight.
Marco Asensio scored again, this time from a penalty for Villa's third goal, which put them out of sight at Jan Breydel Stadium.
The former PSG and Real Madrid player now has five goals in seven appearances since joining Villa Park on loan from the French capital, quickly settling in and becoming a key figure for his new team.
Villa may miss out on Champions League football next season, but his massive improvement in form after falling out of favor in Paris should provide the club with enough evidence to make his loan permanent in the summer. And, with the possibility of facing PSG in the next round if they defeat Liverpool, he could exact a lot of revenge along the way.
Still only 25, he will undoubtedly deliver more, often at critical junctures.
The actual Marco Asensio stood up
Marco Asensio scored again, this time from a penalty for Villa's third goal, which put them out of sight at Jan Breydel Stadium.
The former PSG and Real Madrid player now has five goals in seven appearances since joining Villa Park on loan from the French capital, quickly settling in and becoming a key figure for his new team.
Villa may miss out on Champions League football next season, but his massive improvement in form after falling out of favor in Paris should provide the club with enough evidence to make his loan permanent in the summer. And, with the possibility of facing PSG in the next round if they defeat Liverpool, he could exact a lot of revenge along the way.
Adeyemi steps up for struggling Dortmund
Another day, another disappointing performance from German powerhouse Borussia Dortmund, following their 1-1 draw with Lille at Signal Iduna Park.
Niko Kovać, head trainer of Die Schwarzgelben, faces a challenging task with the Ligue 1 team still in the tie and a chance to advance to the quarterfinals in the return leg at Stade Pierre-Mauroy next week.
Fortunately for the former Croatian international, German international forward Karim Adeyemi provided one bright spot in a difficult period in the Ruhr Valley.
Adeyemi found the back of the net once more for Dortmund during their continental campaign, and now has five goals in the competition after a hat-trick against Celtic and another against Sporting CP during group play. The 23-year-old pounced in the first half to score a crucial goal that still carries significant weight throughout the tie.
While more may be expected of him overall given his inconsistent form this season, tonight's goal-scoring performance could serve as a springboard for more.
Niko Kovać, head trainer of Die Schwarzgelben, faces a challenging task with the Ligue 1 team still in the tie and a chance to advance to the quarterfinals in the return leg at Stade Pierre-Mauroy next week.
Fortunately for the former Croatian international, German international forward Karim Adeyemi provided one bright spot in a difficult period in the Ruhr Valley.
Adeyemi found the back of the net once more for Dortmund during their continental campaign, and now has five goals in the competition after a hat-trick against Celtic and another against Sporting CP during group play. The 23-year-old pounced in the first half to score a crucial goal that still carries significant weight throughout the tie.
While more may be expected of him overall given his inconsistent form this season, tonight's goal-scoring performance could serve as a springboard for more.
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