Champions League Quarter-Finals Review: Who hold the Advantage after 1st Leg?newsline24

The first legs of the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League quarter-finals have concluded, delivering a spectacular week of European football.

Across the four fixtures, three visiting teams managed to secure massive away victories, flipping the script on the traditional home-field advantage. Meanwhile, the only home side to emerge victorious delivered a commanding performance in Paris.

Here is a look at who holds the advantage heading into the decisive return fixtures.

PSG 2 – 0 Liverpool

In a clash of European heavyweights at the Parc des Princes, Paris Saint-Germain secured a definitive 2-0 victory over Liverpool.

PSG utilized their home advantage perfectly, putting Liverpool onto the back foot early. The Parisian midfield successfully bypassed Liverpool’s press, starving the visitors’ attackers of service. By establishing a comfortable 2-0 lead with Desire Doue and Kvaratskhelia on scoresheet, PSG completely neutralized the threat of the Merseyside outfit over the 90 minutes.

Who is at an Advantage?

PSG. Heading to Anfield for the second leg on April 15, PSG holds a commanding two-goal cushion. While Anfield is famous for its magical European nights and historical comebacks, overcoming a 2-0 deficit against a defensively disciplined and counter-attacking PSG side will require a flawless performance from Liverpool.

FC Barcelona 0 – 2 Atletico Madrid

In an all-Spanish affair, Atletico Madrid shocked FC Barcelona by walking away from the Spotify Camp Nou with a stunning 2-0 away victory . Julian Alvarez broke the deadlock at 45′ mark while Sorloth added another to take a 2-0 lead.

Diego Simeone’s men executed a classic Atletico Madrid game plan, suffocating defense, tactical frustration, and lethal efficiency in transition. Despite Barcelona historically dominating possession on their home turf, they failed to break down the resilient Atletico low block. The visitors capitalized on their limited opportunities, netting two crucial goals to silence the Catalan crowd.

Who is at an Advantage?

Atletico Madrid. Taking a 2-0 lead back to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano gives Atletico massive control over the tie. Barcelona will be forced to attack aggressively in the second leg on April 15, which will only open up more space for Atletico to exploit on the counter-attack.

Real Madrid 1 – 2 Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich secured a historic 2-1 away victory against Real Madrid at the Estadio Bernabeu, showcasing extreme tactical maturity and clinical finishing.

In a highly anticipated match, the German giants managed to dismantle Real Madrid’s home advantage. Despite the intimidating atmosphere, Bayern maintained composure to score twice, effectively neutralizing the 15-time champions’ usual Champions League aura. Real Madrid could only muster a single goal in response, leaving Carlo Ancelotti’s men searching for answers before their trip to Germany.
Luiz Diaz and Harry Kane score to make 2-0. In reply, Mbappe pulled on back for the host to make it 2-1.

Who is at an Advantage?

Bayern Munich. The Bavarians head into the April 16 return leg at the Allianz Arena with a 2-1 lead. Defending a one-goal lead at home gives Bayern the upper hand, but with Real Madrid’s extensive pedigree in European competition, this tie remains dangerously balanced.

Sporting CP 0 – 1 Arsenal

In a cagey and incredibly tense affair in Lisbon, Arsenal snatched a vital 1-0 victory over Sporting CP at the José Alvalade Stadium with Havertz giving a lifeline to Arsenal by scoring before the final whistle blew.

Both teams fought tooth and nail, with both sides hitting the woodwork during the contest. Arsenal even had a Martin Zubimendi goal ruled out because former Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres was caught offside in the build-up. The hero of the match was undeniably Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya, who produced at least four superb saves to keep the hosts at bay. The deadlock was finally broken in the 91st minute when substitute Gabriel Martinelli set up Kai Havertz, who delivered a clinical left-footed finish to win the game.

Who is at an Advantage?

Arsenal. The Gunners return to the Emirates Stadium for the April 16 second leg with a 1-0 lead. Having weathered the storm in Portugal and relying on Raya’s brilliance, Arsenal will feel highly confident in front of their home crowd to finish the job and advance to the semi-finals.

PSG and Atletico Madrid hold the most comfortable advantages with two-goal cushions, while Bayern Munich and Arsenal must defend narrower one-goal leads. However, as the UEFA Champions League has proven time and time again, no advantage is truly safe until the final whistle blows.