Champions League fever: Arsenal, PSG and Real Madrid through – Will we see history with Bayern's 16-year-old goalkeeper?

Spring is finally here, and that means only one thing: Champions League football at its absolute peak. There was English representation on Tuesday, but not from the most expected quarters. Arsenal flew the flag high and saved the honour of English clubs, beating Leverkusen 2–0 in the second leg to advance 3–1 on aggregate. A stunning long-range strike from Eberechi Eze and a finish from Declan Rice ensured the red half of London can keep dreaming. This marks three seasons running that Arsenal are in the last eight – and you get the feeling they won't stop there.

King of London and the Paris show

If Arsenal got the job done efficiently, PSG turned it into pure art. The reigning champions went to Stamford Bridge to show who's boss. Chelsea took a proper hiding, losing 3–0 on the night, with the 8–2 aggregate scoreline painting a grim picture of the current gap between the sides. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia picked up where he left off in the first leg, while Bradley Barcola and teenage signing Senny Mayulu completed the Parisian party. It's been absolutely brilliant to watch.

And that's not all. If there's one thing as certain as the sun rising in the east, it's Real Madrid's ability to humble Manchester City. For the fourth time in five seasons, the Spanish giants have knocked the blue side of Manchester out. The 5–1 aggregate score tells you everything about who rules this particular rivalry. City captain Bernardo Silva's red card sealed their fate, and although Erling Haaland levelled on the night, Vinicius Junior's stoppage-time strike felt straight out of a script. Real Madrid now look almost certain to face Bayern Munich next.

Arctic miracle and a teen keeper's date with history

While those names are familiar, the biggest talking point this spring has been elsewhere entirely. Bodø/Glimt, that tiny club from the Arctic Circle, are a genuine fairytale. Not only did they make the knockout phase, but they dismantled current Italian league leaders Inter with a stunning 5–2 aggregate win. Tonight, they're in Lisbon for the second leg against Sporting for a quarter-final spot, and their 3–0 first-leg home win gives hope this story has more chapters. The roughly €52 million they've already banked has transformed the club, but I hear whispers of even bigger sums if they can pull off another miracle.

Wednesday night could see something completely unprecedented. Bayern Munich have a goalkeeper crisis, and they might turn to 16-year-old Leonard Prescott. But this 196cm youngster can't just stroll onto the pitch. German labour laws prevent under-18s from working after 8 PM – and the game kicks off at 9. Bayern need special permission from the authorities, and from what I've heard from German contacts, it requires parental consent, a paediatrician's approval, and even permission from his school.

• If Prescott plays, he'll become the youngest goalkeeper in Champions League history. The current record is held by Belgian Maarten Vandevoordt, who was just over 17.
• He'll also become Bayern Munich's youngest-ever goalkeeper. It's mad to think a 16-year-old could be facing down Atalanta's attacks on Wednesday night.
• This is uncharted territory. Everyone's saying that never before in Champions League history have work permit regulations been a factor in whether a player can take the pitch.

Women, Africa, and that famous anthem

The Champions League isn't just about the men's game, though. The Women's Champions League has a new format this year, and the knockout stages are in full swing. February saw some thrilling ties, with the likes of Arsenal, Real Madrid and Juventus battling for a place in the next round. Barcelona, Lyon, Chelsea and Bayern Munich are lying in wait in the quarter-finals – it's shaping up to be a cracking lineup.

And hey, football fanatics know Europe isn't the only continent buzzing about this competition. The CAF Champions League is a whole different beast, and the games have been heating up there too. February saw group stage clashes like Horoya AC against Vipers SC, and the semi-final classic between ES Tunis and Al Ahly. It's a culture all its own, and its global respect is growing all the time.

Finally, I have to mention something that's got fans talking worldwide. Remember when the Champions League anthem was updated for the first time since 1991? It happened this season, and it was a major change. They sped up the melody, added effects, and social media went into meltdown. Some fans are raging, wanting the old classic back; others like the modern touch. Personally, I think it's still the greatest tune in the world – whether it's got a new twist or not. And when it rings out next season for the 2025–2026 Champions League campaign, we'll have new stories and new heroes.

But for now, let's focus on tonight. Will we witness history? Stick with us.