UEFA Champions League Knockout Stage Playoff Takeaways

AC Milan's Champions League Hopes Hang in the Balance

AC Milan, a club steeped in history with seven Champions League titles, finds its current season marred by inconsistency. Their domestic struggles are evident in their lowly Serie A standing. The Champions League offered a glimmer of hope, but a first-round loss to Dinamo Zagreb cost them a direct path to the last 16.

Wednesday's 1-0 defeat to Feyenoord, courtesy of an early Igor Paixão goal that goalkeeper Mike Maignan arguably should have saved, further complicates their European journey. While the aggregate score remains close, the pressure is on new manager Sérgio Conceição to inspire a much-improved performance in the second leg at the San Siro.

USMNT star Christian Pulisic, Milan's leading scorer this season, was unusually quiet before being substituted. With Conceição still integrating new signings like Kyle Walker and João Félix, Pulisic's leadership will be crucial next week. Milan's dreams of an eighth Champions League title, and their participation in the tournament itself, hang precariously in the balance.

Bayern Munich Flexes its Muscle Against Celtic

For 44 minutes, Celtic valiantly battled Bayern Munich at a roaring Celtic Park. But a moment of brilliance from Michael Olise just before halftime gave the German giants the lead. While questions might be raised about Celtic defender Auston Trusty's reaction, Olise's finish was undeniable.

A defensive lapse on a corner kick allowed Harry Kane, of all people, to double Bayern's lead, a goal that will surely haunt Celtic. While a late Daizen Maeda goal offers a sliver of hope for the second leg in Munich, overcoming a two-goal deficit against the six-time European champions will be a Herculean task.

Advantage Benfica and Club Brugge in Tight Contests

Benfica secured a vital 1-0 away victory against Monaco, a result heavily influenced by Al-Musrati's second-half red card. However, Benfica's goal came before the dismissal, putting them in a commanding position heading into the second leg in Portugal.

Club Brugge claimed a dramatic 2-1 victory over Atalanta thanks to a controversial penalty converted by Gustaf Nilsson in stoppage time. The decision to award the spot-kick is sure to be debated, adding fuel to the fire for Atalanta as they seek to overturn the deficit in Italy.

Expert Analysis

Doug McIntyre, a seasoned soccer writer for FOX Sports, offers his expert insights. Follow him at .