By Liberty Nicholson-Hulse
Premier League teams had a night of mixed fortunes in the Champions League, with clear winners and losers emerging across Europe.
Tottenham showed fight in a spirited 3-2 win over Atletico Madrid, but a 7-5 aggregate defeat ended their campaign, while Newcastle endured a humbling 7-2 defeat in Spain as Barcelona wrapped up an 8-3 aggregate victory.
Liverpool shone in contrast, thrashing Galatasaray 4-0 at Anfield to set up a quarter-final with Paris Saint-Germain, and Manchester City’s hopes were ended once again by Real Madrid.
Spurs show spirit despite exit
Facing the fallout from a first-leg defeat in Madrid, mounting injuries and uncertainty around Igor Tudor’s future, Spurs produced one of their most spirited performances of the season.
A 7-5 aggregate defeat denied them a quarter-final with Barcelona, but Tudor’s first win in charge offered real encouragement.
Despite late frustration, Spurs’ interim coach insisted the performance mattered. “The feelings are mixed, of course. We are out, but it is a sensation of a very good team on the pitch.”
“It was really nice that the fans recognised that the team did everything they could do,” said Tudor. “It is a good direction as a team, but we need to continue.”
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Barcelona punish Newcastle mistakes
If Spurs exited with pride, Newcastle collapsed, losing 7-2 in Spain as Barcelona wrapped up an 8-3 aggregate win.
Eddie Howe’s side briefly threatened an upset, with Anthony Elanga twice drawing them level in an open first half.
It all fell apart for the Magpies in the second half as Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski punished a string of defensive errors, with the visitors scoring three goals in 10 minutes to end the contest.
“Our defending was not at the level it was a few days ago at Chelsea,” Howe admitted. “As well as we played in the first half… there were too many individual errors.”
A disputed penalty from Lamine Yamal just before the break proved to be a turning point. “We should be going in 2-2 with a great feeling,” Howe said.
“As it is, we’re going in with a negative feeling.”
Liverpool respond in style at Anfield
Liverpool delivered one of the standout performances of the round, sweeping aside Galatasaray 4-0 to book a quarter-final meeting with Paris Saint-Germain.
Under pressure after defeat in Istanbul, Arne Slot’s side responded convincingly.
Mohamed Salah endured a frustrating first half, seeing a penalty saved, but created goals for Hugo Ekitike and Ryan Gravenberch before scoring himself to reach 50 Champions League goals after the break.
“We didn’t drop our level at all,” said Slot. “The other team didn’t have a chance… it’s a good win, a good performance.”
City fall short again against Madrid
For Manchester City, the Champions League campaign ended in familiar frustration as Real Madrid completed a 5-1 aggregate victory.
Already trailing heavily, Man City’s hopes were effectively ended when Bernardo Silva was sent off in the first half, allowing Vinícius Júnior to convert from the spot and later add a second.
It marks the third straight year Madrid have eliminated Man City, and a second successive last-16 exit for Pep Guardiola’s side.
“The future will be bright, next year we will be back,” Guardiola insisted.
He pointed to inexperience within his squad, adding that players like Antoine Semenyo were featuring in the Champions League for the first time.
“We are not a complete team, that is the reality,” he added. “They need time.”
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