In the first match, Monaco made the first attempt on the Arsenal’s goal in the 14th minute, despite acquiring the tag of a defensive team. It was an enterprising start from AS Monaco, when Joao Moutinho came close to scoring. Afterwards however, the Gunners didn’t allow Monaco any more luxury. In UEFA’s Champions League history, no side has ever recovered from a 3-1 loss at home but Arsenal did not have to take that as a gospel. They took the game to Monaco’s half for most periods and succeeded twice in scoring. Just before half-time, Olivier Giroud obtained 1-0 lead for the Gunners. Giroud was fed a nice ball by Danny Welbeck and he shot hard. But Monaco goalkeeper Subasic blocked the shot. Giroud was not finished as he picked up the rebound and smartly flicked the ball in. Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger brought in substitute Aaron Ramsey for Francis Coquelin and that proved fortuitous for the Gunners. In the 79th minute, Aaron Ramsey made it 2-0, when Theo Walcott hit the post and Layvin Kurzawa’s clearance fell in the path of Ramsey. The substitute player didn’t commit any error in front of the goal. Arsenal did their best to get the match-winner but Monaco held on solidly to their defense. As the final whistle blew, it was curtains for Arsenal as AS Monaco sailed into the quarterfinals on the strength of scoring more number of goals in the away game.
In the Spanish capital, Atletico de Madrid had a trying game against Germany’s Bayer 04 Leverkusen. In the first leg, Leverkusen had beaten Atletico 1-0. Therefore, the Madrid team had to first find an equalizer before carrying on with enhancing their lead. They succeeded in their plans midway through the first-half, when Mario Suarez deflected a cross into the Leverkusen goal. Afterwards, the home side controlled the game and played mostly in Leverkusen half. Regardless, the 2014 runners-up couldn’t get another goal. The match slipped into the extra time and that too remained goalless. There was no option for the referee but to call for the penalty shoot-out.
Breathing stopped in the stadium, when Raul Garcia took the first spot-kick for Atletico and sent the ball flying over the crossbar. But Leverkusen lost the advantage, when Hakan Calhanoglu’s attempt was foiled by Atletico’s substitute goalkeeper Jan Oblak. Atletico scored with their next penalty taken by Omer Toprak. More drama was in store as Koke failed to score. However, Fernando Torres converted Atletico’s fifth kick and when Leverkusen’s Stefan Kiessling missed the target with the last spot-kick, Atletico made their quarterfinal entry.