UCL Play-Off summary: Prestianni suspended for racial abuse; Atalanta reversed

After four matchdays in total and two weeks of fierce competitions, the wrestling for the final 8 seats to UCL Round of 16 comes to an end. Let's recap what just happened in the past two weeks in UCL campaign: the wins and losses, the controversies and the unforgetables. 

Real Madrid 3-1 Benfica, on aggregate

Real Madrid faced some staggering challendges on the pitch, but not on tactics. Prestianni, the Benfica's Argentine winger, was seen covering his mouth with his shirt while speaking to Vinicius during the altercation, which occurred in the second half right after Vinicius Jr scored the deciding goal for Real Madrid. Vini became visibly upset and immediately reported to the referee that Prestianni had directed a racist insult at him. Vini sat on the bench for a while and refused to return to the field. Players from both teams shove each other, which caused an approximate 10-minute suspension of the game. The referee activated the anti-racism protocol, and the match resumed in 8 minutes.

This conflict resulted in a series of chain reactions: Real Madrid issued an official statement to express their absolute zero-tolerance to racism and filed a petition to UEFA with actual evidences from on and off the game. UEFA then intervened and investigated the incident, the final result is that Prestianni is suspended for one match and would miss the second leg of the playoff. 

At their home ground, Vinicius exceled in front of nearly 80,000 Madristas. He scored a crucial goal at 80' and locked the team in to the next round. After repeating the same goal celebration as in the first round, Vini and his teammates will meet their opponent in the next round: either Man City or Sporting CP.

Atalanta 4-3 Dortmund, on aggregate

When Napoli was eliminated after the group stage, and Juventus struggled to narrow the gap in their second leg, Atalanta really showcased what a role model is for their peers. Conceding two goals away at Signal Iduna Park, Atalanta fully utilized their strengths and attention to detail to tear the Black and Yellow apart. Bensebaini's failed clearance gives Scamacca's great goaling chance right at the front of the gate, which also opens the scoring potential of the entire team. Zappacosta's long shot outside the box, Pasalic's header despite aerial physical contact, and Samardzic's stoppage-time penalty together constituted this miraculous reversal. Atalanta's possible rival in the next round will either be Arsenal or Bayern.

Bodo Glimt 5-2 Inter, on aggregate

While traditional powerhouses stumbled and Inter Milan desperately sought to overturn their shocking first-leg deficit without an injured Lautaro Martínez, Bodø/Glimt delivered a masterclass in giant-killing. Absorbing relentless early pressure away at a roaring San Siro, the Norwegian troops perfectly executed their disciplined defensive block and lightning-fast transitions to completely dismantle the Serie A leaders. Manuel Akanji's glaring defensive error gifted Jens Petter Hauge the crucial opening strike, instantly shattering the hosts' remaining morale. Hakon Evjen’s clinical finish to double the advantage, combined with a resolute backline that limited Alessandro Bastoni to a mere late consolation, forged this historic 5-2 aggregate triumph.

Galatasaray 7-5 Juventus, on aggregate

If the story in Atalanta's night is motivational, the chilling wind hovering around the Allianz Stadium taught the home team a lesson to never underestimate your opponent. Galatasaray has already proved they are not underdog in the first leg. Despite suffering a chaotic 3-2 defeat away at the Allianz Stadium, the Lions leaned on their sheer extra-time stamina and a crucial numerical advantage to ultimately break the Bianconeri's spirit. Gabriel Sara’s swift opening goal instantly disrupted the hosts' rhythm, paving the way for the Turkish side's relentless offensive display across the tie. Noa Lang's clinical one-on-one brace, Davinson Sánchez's timely set-piece deflection, and Gabriel Sara’s 119th-minute extra-time dagger collectively forged this spectacular 7-5 aggregate progression.

PSG 5-4 Monaco, on aggregate

Paris Saint-Germain really showcased what mental fortitude means on the biggest stage. Shipping two goals at the Parc des Princes in the second leg, the Parisians fully leaned on their slender first-leg buffer and attacking instinct to grind past a tenacious Monaco outfit. Akliouche's well-taken effort on the stroke of half-time injected fresh momentum into the visitors' cause, which also placed the entire Parisian progression in genuine jeopardy. Marquinhos's timely intervention around the hour mark to draw level, Kvaratskhelia's composed and lethal finish to nudge PSG back in front, and a resolute rearguard effort to weather Teze's nerve-shredding stoppage-time attempt together constituted this pulsating 5-4 aggregate triumph. 

Atletico Madrid 7-4 Club Brugge, on aggregate

After conceding three times in a chaotic first leg in Belgium, Atlético Madrid returned to the Metropolitano determined to reassert control. Backed by the intensity of their home crowd, Simeone’s men combined defensive grit with ruthless efficiency to overwhelm Club Brugge. From there, Sørloth took center stage. His hat-trick—each finish executed with remarkable composure under heavy pressure—turned lingering doubt into dominance and carried Atlético to an emphatic 7–4 aggregate triumph.

Newcastle United 9-3 Qarabag, on aggregate

While several ties across Europe were decided by the finest of margins, Newcastle United offered a lesson in uncompromising supremacy. Even after allowing two goals in a free-flowing return leg at St. James' Park, the Magpies relied on their commanding first-leg margin and relentless pressing structure to overpower Qarabağ FK without hesitation. Anthony Gordon’s four-goal explosion in the opener had already tilted the contest beyond recovery, setting the tone for a squad brimming with confidence.

Leverkusen 2-0 Olympiacos, on aggregate

An early brace from Schick in the first encounter immediately established dominance in this two-round game, laying the psychological and tactical foundation for the remainder of the tie.

A commanding defensive display in the return leg at the BayArena ensured the visitors were kept at arm’s length throughout. The result was a composed 2–0 aggregate advancement, built not on chaos but on clarity and control.

What's your impression from this round of Playoff? And what's your expectation for Round of 16?