Champions League play-offs February 24: Inter knocked out, Atletico dominate

Read also: Dick Advocaat resigns as Curacao coach ahead of nation’s World Cup debut

Shock Inter exit and Madrid rout

The most unexpected result came from Italy. Milan’s Inter, last season’s finalist, lost for the second time to Norway’s Bodø/Glimt. After their defeat in the first leg, the “Nerazzurri” failed to overturn the score at home, losing 1:2. The Scandinavian club eliminated the favorites with a 5:2 aggregate victory.

Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid confirmed their status against Club Brugge. After a 3:3 draw in Belgium, Diego Simeone’s side dominated the second half at home, scoring three goals to secure a 4:1 win (7:4 on aggregate).

Goal fest in England and Bayer’s pragmatism

English side Newcastle delivered another exciting match against Qarabağ, with the teams scoring five goals in total. The “Magpies” won 3:2, cementing their overwhelming advantage with a 9:3 aggregate score.

German Bayer Leverkusen took a more cautious approach. After winning the first leg away, they drew 0:0 at home with Olympiacos. The goalless draw was enough for Xabi Alonso’s team to advance, thanks to their first-leg advantage.

February 24 second-leg results:

• Atletico Madrid 4:1 Club Brugge (7:4 aggregate)

• Bayer Leverkusen 0:0 Olympiacos (2:0 aggregate)

• Inter 1:2 Bodø/Glimt (2:5 aggregate)

• Newcastle 3:2 Qarabağ (9:3 aggregate)

Next up: Round of 16 draw and potential matchups

The official draw for the round of 16 will take place on Friday, February 27. According to the tournament bracket, the play-off winners already know their potential opponents:

• Atletico Madrid will face the winner of Tottenham / Liverpool

• Newcastle will meet the stronger team from Chelsea / Barcelona

• Bodø/Glimt will play either Manchester City or Sporting

• Bayer Leverkusen could face Bayern Munich or Arsenal