Champions League Play-Offs: Leverkusen, Bodo/Glimt and Newcastle Secure First-Leg Wins
Schick’s brace, Gordon’s four-goal blitz and Bodo/Glimt’s second-half surge headline dramatic European night
US, FEb 19 : Leverkusen, Newcastle United and Bodo/Glimt strengthened their positions in the Champions League knockout play-offs with impressive first leg victories, while Club Brugge and Atletico Madrid played out a thrilling draw.
Leverkusen 2-0 Olympiacos
Bayer Leverkusen secured a 2-0 win over Olympiacos, overturning their earlier defeat in Piraeus.
After a tightly contested first half, Patrik Schick struck twice within four minutes just after the hour mark. He first finished off a swift counterattack before heading home Alejandro Grimaldo’s corner to put the Bundesliga side firmly in control of the tie.
Qarabag 1-6 Newcastle United
Newcastle United delivered a dominant display, thrashing Qarabag FK 6-1 away from home.
Anthony Gordon stole the spotlight with four first-half goals, including two penalties, as the visitors raced into an unassailable lead. Qarabag managed a consolation through Elvin Jafarguliyev, but substitute Jacob Murphy added a sixth to complete a comprehensive victory.
Bodo/Glimt 3-1 Inter Milan
Bodo/Glimt continued their remarkable European run with a 3-1 triumph over Inter Milan.
Sondre Brunstad Fet opened the scoring before Inter responded through Pio Esposito. However, the Norwegian side seized control in the second half with quick goals from Jens Petter Hauge and Kasper Hogh, sealing another memorable home win.
Club Brugge 3-3 Atletico Madrid
In a dramatic encounter, Club Brugge fought back twice to draw 3-3 with Atletico Madrid.
Atletico appeared in control after Julian Alvarez converted a penalty and Ademola Lookman added another before the break. Brugge responded strongly in the second half, with Raphael Onyedika and Nicolo Tresoldi finding the net. Although an own goal briefly restored Atletico’s advantage, Christos Tzolis struck late to keep the contest finely poised ahead of the return leg.
With decisive performances across Europe, the knockout ties remain delicately balanced as teams prepare for the second legs.
