The UEFA Champions League witnessed an intense Tuesday as the first batch of the round of 16 second leg encounters unfolded, with the spotlight on six teams holding first-leg advantages. Porto, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter, Lazio, Manchester City, and Real Madrid are all poised to secure their places in the quarterfinals. However, a giant in Bayern Munich is already on shaky ground, with sweeping changes underway and the news of Thomas Tuchel's imminent departure at the end of the season.
Arsenal, trailing 1-0 to Porto, faces a minor challenge as they aim to turn the tide at home. Despite Porto's resilience, Arsenal's Premier League form suggests they have the firepower to reverse the deficit.
Atletico Madrid and RB Leipzig are in a slightly more precarious situation, both trailing 1-0 from their first legs. While Atletico's home advantage may ease their nerves, the fitness of key players like Antoine Griezmann will be crucial against formidable opponents.
Real Sociedad, once considered a threat to PSG, now finds themselves trailing 2-0 after the first leg. Despite a recent uptick in form, they face an uphill battle against the French champions.
Bayern Munich, trailing 1-0 to Lazio, is in a state of crisis. With Tuchel's departure looming and changes in management underway, the Bavarian giants face the prospect of a trophyless season, adding to their woes.
As the second legs of these crucial UCL games approach, the teams face varying levels of panic, from minimal to substantial, with Bayern Munich's crisis taking center stage.