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Champions League Results 2021: Qualified Teams After Wednesday Quarterfinal Games

Apr 14, 2021
Liverpool's Mohamed Salah (left) and Real Madrid's Fernandez Nacho battle for the ball during the UEFA Champions League match at Anfield, Liverpool. Picture date: Wednesday April 14, 2021. See PA story SOCCER Liverpool. Photo credit should read: Peter Byrne/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent from rights holder. (Photo by Peter Byrne/PA Images via Getty Images)
Liverpool's Mohamed Salah (left) and Real Madrid's Fernandez Nacho battle for the ball during the UEFA Champions League match at Anfield, Liverpool. Picture date: Wednesday April 14, 2021. See PA story SOCCER Liverpool. Photo credit should read: Peter Byrne/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent from rights holder. (Photo by Peter Byrne/PA Images via Getty Images)

Only four teams remain in the UEFA Champions League after the quarterfinals wrapped up on Wednesday, and there won’t be any shortage of star power in the next round.

After Chelsea and PSG advanced past FC Porto and Bayern Munich, respectively, on Tuesday, Manchester City and Real Madrid became the final two clubs to clinch semifinal berths as Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund were eliminated on Wednesday. 

With 2020 champion Bayern and 2019 champion Liverpool ousted, Real Madrid remain the most recent Champions League-winning club still alive, having claimed three straight titles from 2016-2018. Chelsea last won the Champions League in 2012 while PSG and Manchester City are looking for their first titles.

Here’s a look at how all the action played out on Wednesday.

Wednesday UCL Results

Liverpool 0-0 Real Madrid (Real Madrid win 3-1 aggregate)

Manchester City 2-1 Borussia Dortmund (MCFC win 4-2 aggregate)

UCL Semifinal Matchups 

PSG vs. Manchester City

Chelsea vs. Real Madrid 

Recap

Liverpool did everything it could to break through Real Madrid’s defense on Wednesday. The Reds attempted 15 shots, four of them landing on target, and held possession for 56 percent of the match. None of it mattered. 

Real Madrid held firm after posting a 3-1 victory in the first leg and ensured Liverpool would be exiting the tournament early yet again. That’s not to say The Reds didn’t have Real worried at a few different moments. 

Right from the opening kickoff, Liverpool star Mo Salah was able to break free in front of the net for a point blank attempt on keeper Thibaut Courtois, who was able to kick the shot away with ease. Three years after Real Madrid eliminated Liverpool 3-1 in the final, The Reds were desperately hoping to avoid the same result. 

A scoreless draw made that impossible. 

Real Madrid may be a long ways from their 2010s dynasty, but there is no shortage of talent in the roster. Wednesday proved that again as a Liverpool club still looking for a signature accomplishment this year fell flat. 

The Reds have now lost the Community Shield to Arsenal, are sixth in the Premier League table and were eliminated in the fourth round of both the EFL Cup and FA Cup. 

Real Madrid, meanwhile, attempted just six shots all game as they looked to hold off one final attack by The Reds to book themselves into the semis. 

Things were a bit dicier for Manchester City—at least until Riyad Mahrez help City regain control of the tie in the 55th minute. Phil Foden finished it off in the 75th minute.

After Dortmund opened the scoring with a Jude Bellingham goal in the 15th minute—and with one all-important away goal netted in the first leg—City found itself in a battle for the next 75 minutes. The two sides traded scoring opportunities with Dortmund landed three of its 10 shots on net while MCFC put five of its 17 attempts on target. 

Riyad Mahrez finally broke through for City in the 55th minute, giving way to Foden’s strike not long after. 

Man City ended the match having held 62 percent possession as Dortmund once again fails to reach the championship round for the first time since 2013. Now it’s up to Man City to take down Kylian Mbappe and a lethal PSG team in order to reach the final. 

Top Winners, Losers After Wednesday’s Champions League Quarterfinal Leg 2 Results

Apr 14, 2021
Manchester City's English midfielder Phil Foden (front R) celebrates scoring the 1-2 goal with his team-mates and Manchester City's Spanish manager Pep Guardiola during the UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg football match between BVB Borussia Dortmund and Manchester City in Dortmund, western Germany, on April 14, 2021. (Photo by WOLFGANG RATTAY / various sources / AFP) (Photo by WOLFGANG RATTAY/AFP via Getty Images)
Manchester City's English midfielder Phil Foden (front R) celebrates scoring the 1-2 goal with his team-mates and Manchester City's Spanish manager Pep Guardiola during the UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg football match between BVB Borussia Dortmund and Manchester City in Dortmund, western Germany, on April 14, 2021. (Photo by WOLFGANG RATTAY / various sources / AFP) (Photo by WOLFGANG RATTAY/AFP via Getty Images)

The Champions League semifinals are set. 

Real Madrid will face Chelsea after Los Blancos played to a scoreless draw against Liverpool on Wednesday, winning the matchup 3-1 on aggregate. Manchester City is heading for a showdown with PSG after the Citizens beat Borussia Dortmund 2-1 on Wednesday (4-2 on aggregate). 

Below, we'll break down the day's winners and losers. 

Winner: Phil Foden

City already held the edge on aggregate in the second half when Foden provided the death blow for Dortmund:

What a strike. What a player. What a future:

What makes City so difficult to beat is that it seamlessly blends superstar veterans with some of the top young talents in the world. Foden, at just 20 years old, keeps proving that his ascension to superstardom is an undeniable inevitability. 

Loser: Emre Can

Dortmund looked poised to absorb City's relentless possession and ambition, at least through the first half, going into halftime with a 1-0 lead and the advantage on away goals. 

And then Emre Can did this:

https://twitter.com/davisjsn/status/1382426580333514752

That led to this:

Foden perhaps rendered Can's blunder a moot point with his follow-up goal—and perhaps Can has some argument for simply being unlucky that the ball nicked off his head onto his arm—but his arm shouldn't have been extended like that in the first place.

A tough way for Dortmund to concede after the controversy from the first leg. 

Winner: Jude Bellingham

It was a tough day for Dortmund, though 17-year-old Jude Bellingham provided the one bright spot:

What were you doing at 17? You weren't scoring goals in the Champions League quarterfinals, surely. Well, maybe on FIFA, but that's about it. 

Loser: Mo Salah and Liverpool's Front Line

Liverpool had its chances on Wednesday, namely in the first half. There were goals to be had in this game. But Mo Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane simply couldn't convert. 

It's been a tough season for the Reds, who are currently in a fight to even qualify for Champions League football next season. But failing to score a single goal in a must-win game vs. a depleted Real Madrid side will surely be considered one of the major disappointments of Liverpool's season.

Loser: Jurgen Klopp

Speaking of disappointments, there will surely be some questioning of Jurgen Klopp's tactics and starting 11 after the match.

Namely, why did Thiago come off the bench? Why not bring Diogo Jota on sooner?

https://twitter.com/SachinNakrani/status/1382399259438411782

Liverpool fans could be lamenting those decisions for some time, especially if the team can't manage to finish in the Champions League places in the Premier League.

Real Madrid Tops Liverpool on Aggregate, Advances to UCL Semifinal vs. Chelsea

Apr 14, 2021
Real Madrid's Marco Asensio, fights for the ball with Liverpool's Fabinho during a Champions League quarter final second leg soccer match between Liverpool and Real Madrid at Anfield stadium in Liverpool, England, Wednesday, April 14, 2021. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
Real Madrid's Marco Asensio, fights for the ball with Liverpool's Fabinho during a Champions League quarter final second leg soccer match between Liverpool and Real Madrid at Anfield stadium in Liverpool, England, Wednesday, April 14, 2021. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

Carrying a two-goal advantage into the second leg of its Champions League quarterfinal against Liverpool, all Real Madrid needed to do Wednesday was hold on for dear life.

It did that and...not much else.

Los Blancos employed a conservative strategy to force a 0-0 draw against Liverpool on Wednesday and advance to the semifinals on a 3-1 aggregate.

Liverpool held possession for 56 percent of the match and took 14 shots compared to just six for Real Madrid. However, Madrid's loaded box made it nearly impossible for Liverpool to get a good shot on goal, and it finished with just three chances. 

Madrid moves on to play Chelsea, which took a similar tact in its second leg Tuesday against Porto. This will be just the fourth time Chelsea and Real Madrid have played in non-exhibition international competition, with the most recent meeting coming at the 1998 UEFA Super Cup.

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel said the uniqueness of the matchup had him rooting for Madrid. 

"In general I like not to play against teams from your same league in the Champions League as it gives more of a feeling of a European competition but that is the only thing," Tuchel told reporters Tuesday. "The game is far from over but I will watch it for sure. Everything is possible. Liverpool are very strong at home so we take what we get. It is a good situation for us."

Madrid is making its first UCL semifinal appearance since 2018, the year it won its third straight title in the competition of Europe's top teams. It had reached at least the semifinals in eight straight seasons before being eliminated early in 2019 and 2020.

Despite an exhausting schedule, the club has managed to keep its composure and winning ways. Manager Zinedine Zidane said his team needed rest after Saturday's Clasico win over FC Barcelona.

"We need rest," Zidane said, per Graham Hunter of ESPN. "The last two matches have been really hard work. "I really don't know in what state we are going to be towards the end of this season because, physically, we are teetering on our absolute limits."

There won't be much rest moving forward for Madrid or Chelsea. Both teams will have three matches between now and their April 27 or 28 semifinal first leg. 

Manchester City Bests Borussia Dortmund, Will Face PSG in Champions League Semifinal

Apr 14, 2021
Manchester City's Riyad Mahrez celebrates after scoring his side's first goal during the Champions League quarterfinal second leg soccer match between Borussia Dortmund and Manchester City at the Signal Iduna Park stadium in Dortmund, Germany, Wednesday, April 14, 2021. (Federico Gambarini/Pool via AP)
Manchester City's Riyad Mahrez celebrates after scoring his side's first goal during the Champions League quarterfinal second leg soccer match between Borussia Dortmund and Manchester City at the Signal Iduna Park stadium in Dortmund, Germany, Wednesday, April 14, 2021. (Federico Gambarini/Pool via AP)

For the first time in five years, Manchester City is headed to the UEFA Champions League semifinals after a 2-1 win over Borussia Dortmund at Signal Iduna Park on Wednesday. 

City won 4-2 on aggregate and will take on Paris Saint-Germain in the semifinal. 

Phil Foden sealed the team's spot in the next round with a go-ahead goal in the 75th minute. 

Manchester City scored both of its goals in the second half. The first was not without controversy, as Dortmund's Emre Can was whistled for a penalty in the 55th minute when the ball appeared to simultaneously hit his head and outstretched arm. 

Riyad Mahrez converted the penalty kick to draw level. 

City found itself in a bind early after Jude Bellingham got Dortmund on the board with a goal in the 15th minute, making history in the process. 

The first-half score was also a nice bit of payback for Bellingham, who had a goal disallowed in the first leg when Dortmund was whistled for a penalty in the lead-up.

Since Dortmund also got a goal in the first leg on the road, Bellingham's score would have been enough to send the team into the semifinal if the score had held. 

City got off to a slow start before turning on the jets late in the first half. They had an opportunity to even things in the 32nd minute when Riyad Mahrez got a shot past Marwin Hitz, but Bellingham was able to clear the ball before it crossed the line. 

The first half was an onslaught by City as it had 61 percent possession and nine shot attempts, but only one was on target. They were moving at a rapid pace and tried to catch Dortmund's defense off guard. 

Manchester City was moments away from settling for a tie in the first leg last week until Foden's goal in the 90th minute made it a 2-1 final. 

Trailing at the half is an unusual place for City to be this season, but the few times it has happened before Wednesday, they've struggled to make up the deficit coming out of the intermission:

Dortmund tried moving back on the offensive after Mahrez's goal tied the score 1-1. Mats Hummels had a header attempt from the center of the box that sailed just over the top of the goal. 

Time eventually ran out for Dortmund, though it put forth a terrific effort against a juggernaut opponent. 

Coming into this match, City manager Pep Guardiola acknowledged there was no way for him to end the day on a high note. 

“This is a business, and business is business. Business is winning,” Guardiola said during a Tuesday press conference. “If we don’t win, I will be a failure. If we win, it will be ‘Oh, how good is Pep.’”

That's a byproduct of being in charge of a team with as much talent and resources as the Sky Blues. 

Wednesday was the biggest hurdle for Guardiola to clear as he seeks his first Champions League title with City. 

With the Dortmund job done, focus will turn toward PSG in the semifinal at the end of the month. 

What's Next?

Dortmund/Manchester City will play Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of the Champions League semifinal on April 27 or 28. 

Top Winners, Losers After Tuesday's Champions League Quarterfinal Leg 2 Results

Apr 13, 2021
PSG's Neymar smiles during the Champions League, second leg, quarterfinal soccer match between Paris Saint Germain and Bayern Munich at the Parc des Princes stadium, in Paris, France, Tuesday, April 13, 2021. (AP Photo/Francois Mori)
PSG's Neymar smiles during the Champions League, second leg, quarterfinal soccer match between Paris Saint Germain and Bayern Munich at the Parc des Princes stadium, in Paris, France, Tuesday, April 13, 2021. (AP Photo/Francois Mori)

Tuesday's Champions League quarterfinal action saw two teams lose 1-0 but still advance to the semifinals.

For PSG, a 1-0 loss to Bayern Munich didn't matter, as PSG advanced on away goals (3-3 aggregate). For Chelsea, a 1-0 loss to Porto didn't erase their 2-1 advantage in aggregate. 

And so half of the semifinal field is set. Let's take a look back at the winners and losers from Tuesday's matches.

                  

Winner: Neymar

The only thing Neymar didn't do on Tuesday was score a goal. He was the bright man as his side advanced to the UCL semifinals, easily cutting the figure of one of the world's truly elite and ascendant talents.

With the number of opportunities he had, it was remarkable he didn't find the back of the net:

If any of those had found the back of the net, PSG would have had a much more relaxing evening against a Bayern Munich side that nearly did enough to advance. Regardless, it's a great sign for PSG that Neymar is hitting on all cylinders, even if it didn't result in a goal Tuesday. 

He was truly a joy to behold.

             

Winner: Mehdi Taremi

Chelsea vs. Porto was a snoozefest. More on that below. But it did have one moment of brilliance, courtesy of Mehdi Taremi. 

Just look at this little bit of wonder in second-half stoppage time:

It was too little, too late for Porto, but that goal is worth admiration. 

              

Loser: Viewers of Chelsea vs. Porto

Here's what they were saying about the PSG vs. Bayern Munich game in the late stages:

And here are some of the tweets that accompanied Chelsea's loss to Porto:

Yeah, there was the late goal. It was a stunner. But was anybody even tuned in by then?

PSG vs. Bayern Munich was truly a treat, a gift from the soccer gods. Chelsea vs. Porto was that strange sweater with your name embroidered on the front that your aunt knitted for you and gave to you over the holidays.  

Credit to Thomas Tuchel and Chelsea for stifling Porto and doing enough to advance to the semifinals. But it sure was dull to watch. 

                   

Winner: Mauricio Pochettino

Going into Germany and scoring three away goals against UCL giants like Bayern Munich, and then holding them to a single goal in the return tie—in a match that easily could have seen PSG score three or four times with a bit more luck—was more than a little impressive. 

Could Pochettino be the man to finally get PSG over its Champions League hump?

Perhaps. He took Tottenham all the way to the final in the 2018-19 season, after all, and this PSG team has far more talent than those Spurs. 

The Parisiens made their first final a year ago, only to lose to Bayern Munich. They had their revenge on Tuesday, though the bigger goal of winning a European title remains. Poch just might be the man for such a massive job. 

PSG Beats Bayern Munich on Away Goals, Advances to Champions League Semifinals

Apr 13, 2021
Bayern's Joshua Kimmich, left, Bayern's Leroy Sane, right, and PSG's Kylian Mbappe challenge for the ball during the Champions League, second leg, quarterfinal soccer match between Paris Saint Germain and Bayern Munich at the Parc des Princes stadium, in Paris, France, Tuesday, April 13, 2021. (AP Photo/Francois Mori)
Bayern's Joshua Kimmich, left, Bayern's Leroy Sane, right, and PSG's Kylian Mbappe challenge for the ball during the Champions League, second leg, quarterfinal soccer match between Paris Saint Germain and Bayern Munich at the Parc des Princes stadium, in Paris, France, Tuesday, April 13, 2021. (AP Photo/Francois Mori)

Paris Saint-Germain is through the UEFA Champions League semifinals for the second straight season after drawing Bayern Munich 3-3 on aggregate and advancing on away goals.

Having come away with a 3-2 win in the first leg in Munich, the Parisians suffered a 1-0 defeat on Tuesday at Parc des Princes in the French capital.

Rather than sitting back and protecting a one-goal lead, Paris Saint-Germain was proactive to begin the second leg. The reigning Ligue 1 champions were also unfortunate not to draw first blood.

In the 37th minute, Neymar curled a right-footed shot from just inside the 18-yard box off the crossbar. Moments later, the Brazilian had another shot hit off the post.

Then PSG's worst fears came true as Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting was in the right place at the right time. Keylor Navas saved a low shot from David Alaba, but Choupo-Moting headed home the deflection.

It was a goal largely against the run of play based on how well Paris Saint-Germain was getting forward.

Some began to wonder whether another PSG collapse on the European stage was in store. The club wasn't in serious danger of going out, but it already put in a Jekyll and Hyde showing in the round of 16 against Barcelona.

Still, Bayern needed another goal in order to advance, so Choupo-Moting's tally wasn't the end of the world for manager Mauricio Pochettino and his squad.

That fact probably didn't provide much comfort to supporters, who watched Bayern Munich look like the stronger side for the remainder of the first half and much of the second.

Kylian Mbappe appeared to give PSG the goal it desperately needed for some breathing room when he fired a shot past Manuel Neuer in the 78th minute. However, the French forward was ruled to be offside, so the goal was taken off the board.

Bayern continued to throw men forward to no avail.

The aggregate result was what PSG will have wanted, but the team's combined performance might have left something to be desired for Pochettino.

Bayern Munich was without Robert Lewandowski for both legs and simply isn't the same after having steamrolled over the domestic and continental competition.

The ongoing drama behind the scenes is a prime example of how much things have changed in Bavaria.

Having said all of that, the narrative surrounding PSG would probably be far different if its luck had been slightly better. Had Neymar scored on one of his two chances toward the end of the first half, the floodgates could've opened.

Depending on whom Paris Saint-Germain draws in the next round, it might have to raise its game to another level in order to remain on track to win its first Champions League title.

   

What's Next?

PSG awaits the winner of Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund's quarterfinal clash. City carries a 2-1 advantage into the second leg.

Chelsea Advances to UCL Semifinals with 2-1 Aggregate Win over Porto

Apr 13, 2021
SEVILLE, SPAIN - APRIL 13: (BILD ZEITUNG OUT) Christian Pulisic of Chelsea FC and Chancel Mbemba of FC Porto battle for the ball during the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Second Leg match between Chelsea FC and FC Porto at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on April 13, 2021 in Seville, Spain. Sporting stadiums around Spain remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Berengui/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
SEVILLE, SPAIN - APRIL 13: (BILD ZEITUNG OUT) Christian Pulisic of Chelsea FC and Chancel Mbemba of FC Porto battle for the ball during the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Second Leg match between Chelsea FC and FC Porto at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on April 13, 2021 in Seville, Spain. Sporting stadiums around Spain remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Berengui/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)

Chelsea is one major step closer to capturing its second UEFA Champions League title in club history after knocking off FC Porto 2-1 on aggregate following Tuesday’s second leg. 

The victory hands The Blues a berth in the semifinals with PSG, which defeated Bayern Munich on Tuesday. Now the UCL awaits the results of Wednesday’s second leg between Borussia Dortmund-Manchester City and Liverpool-Real Madrid to determine the final four remaining clubs. 

Porto might have been able to stop Chelsea from advancing with a different tactic on Tuesday at Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán Stadium. The Portuguese club instead focused on shutting down any opportunities for Chelsea to add to its lead. That seemed fine with the Blues, who appeared more concerned with preserving the 2-0 lead they took on the road than trying to attack Porto’s defense. 

That plan kept the match scoreless through 90 minutes before Porto broke through in the 93rd minute. Perhaps with another 90 minutes to play, Porto’s game plan allows the club to take down their opponent. Instead, it’s Chelsea moving on to the next round.

Porto Targets Pulisic 

It became extremely clear early on Tuesday that Porto’s main goal was to ensure it didn’t get beat by Chelsea’s Christian Pulisic. 

Any opportunity Porto had to crowd the midfielder, disrupt his passes or simply knock him down was quickly taken advantage of. In fact, Porto’s preoccupation with Pulisic became so apparent it’s worth wondering why the team didn't start pushing for a goal earlier in the match—especially as Chelsea’s offense posed little threat and Porto desperately needed two goals to stay alive in the tournament. 

Pulisic would just have to take the attention in stride. 

The result of Porto’s aggression was hard to miss. Chelsea drew 20 fouls, five yellow cards. 

While Chelsea would remain scoreless on Tuesday, it was still enough to keep their Champions League season alive. Porto put just two shots on net—one resulted in a goal from reserve Medhi Taremi in the 93rd minute—as the Blues escaped with an aggregate victory.

Taremi Bicycle Kick Goal 

Arguably the goal of the Champions League came in the 93rd minute on Tuesday in a game that was all but decided from a substitute who entered the pitch in the 63rd minute. 

Yet none of that makes Taremi’s bicycle kick any less impressive. 

Porto had gotten just seven shots off against Chelsea prior to the goal, and only one of them—a weak header from Taremi that keeper Edouard Mendy caught comfortably—reached the net. Mendy was just a minute away from his fifth consecutive UCL clean sheet after allowing just one goal all tournament and none since the knockout rounds began. 

Taremi ended that streak in epic fashion, setting himself up just outside the six-yard box and launching a cross from Nanu over three Chelsea defenders and into the top corner of the net. 

Porto hopes of repeating its unlikely Champions League title run from 2004 will have to wait another season, but Taremi's extraordinary goal should at least provide a consolation prize on the way out the door.

What’s Next

Chelsea await Wednesday’s UCL action to learn who it’ll face in the semifinal round. The Blues are guaranteed a high-profile matchup either way as they prepare to face the winner between Liverpool and Real Madrid 

Champions League Results 2021: Qualified Teams After Tuesday Quarterfinal Games

Apr 13, 2021
Bayern's Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, left, Bayern's Benjamin Pavard, right, and PSG's Neymar challenge for the ball during the Champions League, second leg, quarterfinal soccer match between Paris Saint Germain and Bayern Munich at the Parc des Princes stadium, in Paris, France, Tuesday, April 13, 2021. (AP Photo/Francois Mori)
Bayern's Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, left, Bayern's Benjamin Pavard, right, and PSG's Neymar challenge for the ball during the Champions League, second leg, quarterfinal soccer match between Paris Saint Germain and Bayern Munich at the Parc des Princes stadium, in Paris, France, Tuesday, April 13, 2021. (AP Photo/Francois Mori)

Half of the 2021 Champions League semifinal field has been set. 

Paris St. Germain and Chelsea are moving on after the first set of second-leg quarterfinal games Tuesday thanks to aggregate wins over Bayern Munich and Porto, respectively. 

With two games left to play Wednesday to determine the rest of the semifinal field, here's a look at where things stand. 

Tuesday Scores

Paris St. German 0-1 Bayern Munich

PSG advances on away goals (3-3)

Porto 1-0 Chelsea

Chelsea advances on aggregate (2-1)

Tuesday Recap

Paris St. Germain vs. Bayern Munich

After falling in last year's Champions League Final, Paris St. Germain is one step closer to redemption. 

Though Bayern Munich had the 1-0 advantage in Paris on Tuesday, PSG's three-goal effort in the first leg as the away side helped solidify its spot in the semifinals. 

While Bayern tied the aggregate scoreline at 3-3 thanks to a goal from Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting in the 40th minute, PSG kept the opposition at bay in the second half and was able to cling to its trio of away goals as nerves ratcheted up over the contest's final 45 minutes. 

 

In net, Manuel Neuer did what was necessary to keep Bayern Munich afloat. He ended the day with three saves to help Bayern quell Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and PSG's host of potent attacking threats. 

Neymar, who was quiet in the first semifinal leg—allowing Kylian Mbappe and Marquinhos to shoulder the scoring load in the 3-2 victory—was everywhere but inside the net during Tuesday's loss. 

Luckily, PSG's fate wasn't riding on Neymar's success as it held on to advance.

Chelsea vs. Porto

After handling Porto easily in last week's opening semifinal game, Wednesday's game in Seville was quieter for the Blues. 

With a healthy aggregate lead, Chelsea elected to maintain a tight grip on its lead and embraced a conservative game plan that ultimately got the job done. Thomas Tuchel's squad nearly accomplished the job blemish-free, but Mehdi Taremi converted a stunning bicycle kick in the waning moments of added time. 

Up Next

Quarterfinal play continues Wednesday at 3 p.m. ET.

Liverpool faces Real Madrid, while Dortmund will play Manchester City. 

Top Winners, Losers After Wednesday Champions League Quarterfinal Leg 1 Results

Apr 7, 2021
PSG's Kylian Mbappe celebrates after scoring the opening goal of his team during the Champions League quarterfinal soccer match between Bayern Munich and Paris Saint Germain in Munich, Germany, Wednesday, April 7, 2021. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)
PSG's Kylian Mbappe celebrates after scoring the opening goal of his team during the Champions League quarterfinal soccer match between Bayern Munich and Paris Saint Germain in Munich, Germany, Wednesday, April 7, 2021. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)

With one leg of the quarterfinals in the books, there could be a changing of the guard in the Champions League. 

Reigning winners Bayern Munich fell 3-2 to Paris Saint-Germain in a rematch of last year's finals. Chelsea, meanwhile, cruised to a 2-0 victory over Porto.

Here are some of the individual winners and losers from Wednesday.

           

Winner: Kylian Mbappe

In five group stage matches during this Champions League campaign, Kylian Mbappe had two goals, both of which came in a 5-1 victory over Basaksehir. After Wednesday, the PSG star has six goals in the knockout stages alone.

Mbappe opened the scoring in the third minute and delivered what proved to be the decisive tally in the 68th.

Praising the 22-year-old for another electric performance is getting a bit rote. He's scoring goals on the biggest stage at a rate that will leave him among the best to play the game.

It seems pretty safe to assume Mbappe will collect at least one Champions League medal over the course of his career. He may not have to wait much longer for his first European triumph.

              

Loser: Manuel Neuer

Manuel Neuer is arguably the greatest goalkeeper of his generation, delivering for both his club and national team while bringing the role of sweeper-keeper back into vogue.

Wednesday was an example of how even the best can be prone to the occasional mistake. Neuer allowed a shot by Mbappe to slip through his legs to give PSG an early 1-0 lead.

In the pantheon of goalkeeping errors, this was far from the most egregious. But Neuer's consistency makes it more glaring when he has a bit of a howler.

Neuer wasn't really to blame much for Paris Saint-Germain's next two goals. His defense allowed Marquinhos to get free in the box for a straightforward finish, and Bayern was toast when it allowed Mbappe to get that deep with that much space to complete his brace.

              

Winner: Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting

Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting had the unenviable task of replacing Robert Lewandowski at the top of Bayern's attack. Granted, the collective strength of Bayern going forward led some to wonder how much Lewandowski's absence would impact the club.

Choupo-Moting filled in pretty well for the Polish striker, heading home Bayern Munich's first goal in the 37th minute.

By now, referencing Choupo-Moting's spell at Stoke City is becoming a cliche. And yet, the fact he went from playing for a relegated Stoke side in 2017-18 to becoming a Champions League goal poacher continues to be incredible.

https://twitter.com/RichJolly/status/1379857227989839879

The 32-year-old should lean into this and sign with a different Champions League contender every season.

             

Winner: Thomas Tuchel

Thomas Tuchel really might be the new Roberto Di Matteo, albeit with more staying power.

Di Matteo replaced Andre Villas-Boas as Chelsea's manager midway through a disappointing 2011-12 season. Months later, the Blues were lifting their first Champions League trophy.

Much like Di Matteo, Tuchel inherited a strong roster, so the proverbial new manager bump was inevitable. Having said that, the improvement Chelsea has made under the German's watch goes well beyond that.

Chelsea's 5-2 loss to West Brom illustrated how far they still have to go in order to chase down Manchester City to be the best side in the Premier League. But the Champions League is well within reach, and nobody will be surprised on current form if the Blues are the last team standing.

            

Winner: Mason Mount

Mason Mount scored the single best goal from Wednesday. The Chelsea midfielder executed a deft turn to elude Zaidu Sanusi before firing a shot into the far post past Agustin Marchesin.

Whenever a new manager comes in, there's always the worry about how it might disrupt the on-field hierarchy. In the case of Mount, it wasn't immediately clear if he'd be superseded by Timo Werner and/or Kai Havertz.

The 22-year-old has instead made himself an integral member of the lineup.

Mount might be making himself a lock for the England starting XI, too, ahead of Euro 2020.

That Werner and Havertz were both pretty anonymous against Porto will be of little concern to supporters thanks to Mount's performance.

Champions League Results 2021: Top Scorers After Wednesday Quarter-Final Ties

Apr 7, 2021
Kylian MBAPPE of PSG celebrates a goal during the UEFA Champions League, Quarter Final First Leg match between Bayern Munchen and Paris Saint Germain at Allianz Arena on April 7, 2021 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Anthony Dibon/Icon Sport via Getty Images)
Kylian MBAPPE of PSG celebrates a goal during the UEFA Champions League, Quarter Final First Leg match between Bayern Munchen and Paris Saint Germain at Allianz Arena on April 7, 2021 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Anthony Dibon/Icon Sport via Getty Images)

Kylian Mbappe scored two goals in Wednesday's quarter-final match to again climb the list of the top scorers in this year's UEFA Champions League.

Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich battled in a rematch of last year's final, and it was just as exciting as anticipated with PSG stunning the reigning champs with a 3-2 victory.

Chelsea earned a 2-0 win over FC Porto to grab an early lead in the two-legged tie.

All four teams will be back in action next Tuesday trying to secure spots in the semifinals, while the individual attackers will try to keep getting onto the scoresheet in the race for the golden boot.

Here is the current list of leaders for goals scored in the 2020-21 UCL season.

  • 10: Erling Haaland (Borussia Dortmund)
  • 8: Kylian Mbappe (Paris Saint-Germain)
  • 6: Neymar (Paris Saint-Germain), Alvaro Morata (Juventus), Mohamed Salah (Liverpool), Olivier Giroud (Chelsea), Youssef En-Nesyri (Sevilla), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United)
  • 5: Alassane Plea (Borussia Monchengladbach), Ciro Immobile (Lazio), Kylian Mbappe (Paris Saint-Germain), Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich), Karim Benzema (Real Madrid), Sergio Oliveira (Porto)

Full list available at UEFA.com.

Erling Haaland got an assist for Borussia Dortmund in Tuesday's 2-1 loss to Manchester City, but he didn't add to his 10 goals of the tournament.

It left the door open for Mbappe to climb with another impressive showing Wednesday.

The 22-year-old needed only three minutes to find the back of the net and then gave PSG the lead again in the second half:

Even at a young age, he has already scored more knockout goals than French legend Thierry Henry:

Neymar is also in the hunt to be the top scorer in Champions League with six goals entering the match, but he took the unselfish route with two great assists against Bayern, including a long pass that found Marquinhos.

Bayern Munich did a better job of control the action and creating opportunities, but Paris Saint-Germain knew how to finish.

The reigning champions are still not out of it, however, with goals by Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting and Thomas Muller helping them fight back:

Muller's goal was his 48th in his Champions League career, ranking sixth all time for the most at one club.

The challenge next match will be turning the 31-6 advantage in shots into a better outcome in goals.

The other match of the day featured a similar style with Porto taking twice as many shots as Chelsea (12 to six).

Mason Mount helped give the Premier League squad the advantage with a great finish in the 32nd minute.

Porto knocked at the door several times searching for an equalizer, but it was Ben Chilwell who scored the next goal for Chelsea after a counterattack.

With both goals coming on the road, it leaves Porto with an uphill battle to come back in the second leg. The return of Sergio Oliveira from suspension could play a significant role as he looks to add to his five goals from the tournament.

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