Four of the Most Surprising Champions League Last 16 Results In Recent Years

One of the most exciting phases of the UEFA Champions League is the first knockout round. The action truly hots up as the competition heads into the last 16. Clubs such as Celtic, Lens, and Antwerp – with all due respect to them – are on their way out as the big boys gear up to battle it out for the famed ‘Big-Eared’ trophy. And the best news is that the 2023/24 Champions League knockout stages are just around the corner.

Over the next month, 16 of the continent’s greatest clubs will battle it out for European supremacy and there are plenty of eye-catching ties on the horizon. Paris Saint-Germain face a tricky test against unbeaten Spaniards Real Sociedad, while Inter Milan vs Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid could go either way. As well as that, the reigning champions of Italy and Spain will clash as Napoli face off with Barcelona in a repeat of the fixture won by the Catalonians four years ago.

The website oddschecker.com provides a plethora of bonus bets as well as comparing all of the best odds for the tournament, and they have made reigning champions Manchester City the favorites to successfully defend the trophy. The bonus bets provide new users with a way to strengthen their chances, whether betting on the favorites or an outside contender. 

The Blues face off against Copenhagen in the second round, the conquerors of their cross-city rivals Manchester United. If the Danish outfit comes out victorious, they will certainly end up on this list in the coming years.

Here are the most surprising Last 16 results in recent memory.

2021/22 – Villarreal CF 4-1 Juventus

In the most recent of the six encounters, Villarreal CF shocked the footballing world with a resounding 4-1 victory over powerhouse Juventus two years ago. Despite the underdog status, the Europa League holders’ precise game management and tactical acumen meant they managed to secure a 1-1 draw in Spain. Then, in the return fixture at the Allianz Stadium, Unai Emery’s side stunned the Turin outfit, netting three times in the final 12 minutes to secure the victory.

The key to Villarreal’s success lay in their tenacity and ability to capitalize on the Bianconeri’s momentary lapses. Headlined by Pau Torres’ commanding defensive display and Gerard Moreno’s composed finishing, the Yellow Submarine’s victory was a testament to their ability to rise to the occasion.

The Old Lady is known for its resilience and, under the experienced leadership of legends like Giorgio Chiellini and Cristiano Ronaldo, were expected to fare better. However, Villarreal’s disciplined approach and refusal to be intimidated turned the tie into a learning moment for the Italian giants.

2020/21 – Porto 4-4 Juventus (Porto win on away goals)

In a thrilling encounter in the 2020-21 edition of the UEFA Champions League, FC Porto managed a spirited comeback against Juventus, drawing the tie 4-4 on aggregate and progressing on away goals. The Portuguese champions, despite early setbacks, fought gallantly, showcasing a blend of resilience and attacking prowess.

The turning point in the second leg was Sergio Oliveira’s stunning free-kick, which leveled the score in the dying minutes and ultimately saw Porto through. Juventus, once more powered by the indomitable Ronaldo, were left reeling from the Dragons’ staunch defense, led by the brick wall-like Pepe and, as such, were unable to find the all-important winner.

2019/20 – Atletico Madrid 4-2 Liverpool

Atletico Madrid’s triumph over Liverpool in the 2019-20 season was a masterclass in defensive astuteness and explosive counter-attacking play. A 1-0 first-leg win at the Wanda Metropolitano was followed by a stirring 3-2 extra-time victory at Anfield, a stadium where the reigning champions had previously been invincible in Europe. The Reds’ early exit was unanticipated after their dominant league performance, and Los Rojiblancos’ victory highlighted the fine margins and emotional intensity that separates triumph from defeat in the Champions League.

The Spanish side, renowned for their grit and tactical discipline under manager Diego Simeone, executed a game plan that neutralized Liverpool’s feared attacking trident of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino. Marcos Llorente’s two-minute extra time double salvo all but took the tie away from the hosts, and Alvaro Morata’s last-gasp sealer sparked bedlam in the away end.

2019/20 – Lyon 2-2 Juventus (Lyon win on away goals)

Olympique Lyonnais’ progression over Juventus in the 2019-20 Champions League was another feather in the cap for the underdog and yet another bitter blow to Max Allegri’s men, who seemingly have known nothing but pain in continental competition. The French outfit were outplayed for significant periods of the tie, but they managed to hold the Italian champions to a nervy 2-2 draw in Turin and progressed on away goals.

The Ligue 1 side’s resilient defence was the standout feature of their success, with the likes of Jason Denayer and Marcelo producing valiant performances. Memphis Depay’s leadership in the attacking third was also crucial in keeping Juventus at bay. For the Italians, with prized assets such as Paulo Dybala and Ronaldo, the result came as a shock.

And if that wasn’t enough, the French side stunned favorites Manchester City in the quarterfinals, running out 4-2 winners in the Portugal-hosted mini-tournament.