The latest round of the UEFA Champions League produced a series of surprising results as several major English clubs endured a difficult week in Europe.
Defending champions Manchester City suffered a heavy 3–0 defeat against Real Madrid in the first leg of the Round of 16, leaving the Premier League side with a mountain to climb in the return leg. The Spanish giants capitalized on defensive errors and showcased their clinical attacking power.
It wasn’t just City who struggled. Chelsea also faced a tough night, losing 5–2 to Paris Saint‑Germain, while Liverpool fell 1–0 to Galatasaray in Istanbul. Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur were beaten 5–2 by Atlético Madrid.
The only English teams to avoid defeat were Arsenal and Newcastle United, but both sides could only manage draws, leaving the Premier League with no victories in the first leg of the Round of 16.
These results have sparked debate among football analysts, with some questioning whether Europe’s top clubs are catching up with the Premier League’s traditionally dominant teams.
With the second legs approaching, English clubs will need dramatic turnarounds to keep their Champions League hopes alive.