Many believed that moving away from the traditional group-stage format to a league-phase system would reduce the Champions League’s drama. Instead, storylines like Benfica vs Real Madrid proved the exact opposite.

Benfica, Sporting, and last-minute madness

The most electric moments of the final matchday belonged, by far, to Portugal’s Primeira Liga clubs. At the top of the table, Sporting scored at the death and secured a direct ticket to the Round of 16.

That same late goal in Bilbao against Athletic Club ended up condemning Real Madrid to the playoffs, adding two more matches to an already packed calendar.

At the Estádio da Luz, where Madrid lived a nightmare, José Mourinho’s Benfica enjoyed a magical night after goalkeeper Anatoli Trubin headed in a dramatic last-gasp goal that will be replayed for years.

Bodø/Glimt: the surprise package of the Champions League

The Champions League always leaves room for shockers, and the biggest one this season has been Bodø/Glimt. The Norwegian side shattered expectations by beating Manchester City and Atlético de Madrid on the final matchday to keep their European dream alive.

Alongside Bodø/Glimt, teams like Club Brugge and Qarabag also stood out, finishing with more points than clubs such as Olympique de Marseille, while the Netherlands delivered a disappointing campaign through PSV and Ajax.

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