VOTE: Which was the best UEFA Champions League goal on Tuesday? Julian Alvarez and Leon Bailey in contention

React to this story

The UEFA Champions League returned with a bang on Tuesday night with the first legs of the last-16 ties. Arsenal produced the result of the evening with a stunning 7-1 thrashing at PSV Eindhoven, while Aston Villa and Real Madrid enjoyed wins and Borussia Dortmund drew with Lille. However, which player scored the best goal of the night? The choice is yours!

‘We are quite satisfied’ – Ancelotti expects ‘open game’ in second leg at Atletico

Video credit: TNT Sports

It was a night of thrilling drama and goals galore as the UEFA Champions League returned on Tuesday.

The first legs of the last-16 ties got underway in what turned out to be a record-breaking night in the competition.

It was an evening that Arsenal fans will not forget in a hurry after their side claimed an astonishing 7-1 victory at PSV Eindhoven to all-but secure a place in the last eight.

Champions League

Tchouameni defends Alonso, says squad 'have to do a better job'

09/12/2025 at 15:18

Fellow Premier League outfit Aston Villa also enjoyed a crucial away victory at Club Brugge, while holders Real Madrid edged past local rivals Atletico Madrid at the Bernabeu.

The only draw of the night came in Germany, where Lille kept their hopes of making the quarter-finals alive after they pegged back Borussia Dortmund to claim a 1-1 draw.

You can also watch Wednesday's first-leg ties, including Paris Saint-Germain v Liverpool and Bayern Munich v Bayer Leverkusen, exclusively live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

Highlights: Aston Villa strike late twice to seal crucial win at Club Brugge

Video credit: TNT Sports

With Tuesday's action still fresh in your mind, it is time for you to cast your votes and decide on which player scored the best goal of the night.

There were some stunning strikes to consider so we have selected the best five goals.

Leon Bailey v Club Brugge

Leon Bailey got Aston Villa off to the perfect start as the Premier League side took the lead inside three minutes.

‘It’s what dreams are made of’ – Bailey gives Villa early lead with ‘brilliant finish’

Video credit: TNT Sports

The winger connected perfectly with a sweet half-volley from Tyrone Mings' header to send the Villa supporters at the other end into raptures.

It was only Bailey's second goal across all competitions this season, but Mings was full of praise of his team-mate after the win in Belgium.

"He’s a fantastic player for us, and the contributions that he’s making every game is so important to what we’re doing," he told TNT Sports.

"[The goal] might give him some belief but I don’t think he’s short on belief anyway, so really happy for him."

Mings also deserves a special mention for what TNT Sports pundit Ally McCoist described as the "save of the season" after the defender somehow diverted Hans Vanaken's header away on the goal-line.

Rodrygo v Atletico Madrid

The Madrid derby also got off to a flying start when Rodrygo thumped the Champions League holders into the lead after four minutes.

Rodrygo smashes home goal of ‘sheer quality’ to give Real the lead against Atleti

Video credit: TNT Sports

With Jude Bellingham suspended for the game, Los Blancos needed one of their other superstars to step up and the Brazil international did so with a stunning strike into the top corner.

When asked by TNT Sports after the match if the Brazilian is underrated, Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti replied: "Not for us. Rodrygo has helped us to win two Champions Leagues in the last three years, so it’s still his competition.

"He’s a fantastic player and he can put in a fantastic effort for the team, and we are really pleased."

Karim Adeyemi v Lille

It was not quite the fast start in Germany, but when the first game came, it was one to remember.

'Two goalkeepers don't save that!' - Adeyemi strike gives Dortmund early opener

Video credit: TNT Sports

Adeyemi continued his fine form in the Champions League this season with his fifth goal in the competition, and probably the best of the lot.

It was Dortmund's only shot on target and TNT Sports expert Karen Carney described the strike as the "bit of quality that you wanted".

She continued: "I was disappointed with Dortmund tonight. They had opportunities in the final third and didn’t take them. Lille have come back into it and that will be great confidence for them.

"When Lille move the ball quick and sharp, they’re quick and difficult to play against. They go back home now and it’s obviously going to be difficult for Dortmund there, so it’s a great tie for us."

Julian Alvarez v Real Madrid

Look away now, Manchester City fans! Julian Alvarez has flourished since joining Diego Simeone's side last summer and his equalising goal in the first half was one of his best of the campaign.

Atletico back on level terms through ‘fabulous’ strike from Alvarez

Video credit: TNT Sports

It was the Argentina international's 22nd goal of the season and his second against bitter rivals Real this term.

If Alvarez can inspire Atletico to finally overcome Los Blancos in the second leg, there's no reason why the team won't feel they can go all the way.

Speaking after the Madrid derby, TNT Sports expert Joe Cole said: "He’s won it all, he’s done it all. He’s 25 years of age, and I still think we’re going to see the best of him in the next five years.

"I think he’s a Ballon d’Or winner of the future."

Brahim Diaz v Atletico Madrid

When Real Madrid need a goal, they can normally rely on Kylian Mbappe or Vinicius Junior to produce the goods. You can now add Brahim Diaz to that list!

‘Out of nowhere’ – Diaz delivers ‘individual quality’ as Real retake the lead

Video credit: TNT Sports

The forward has been influential in Madrid's first-leg ties this season after he came off the bench to score a crucial equaliser in the play-off against Manchester City last month.

On Tuesday, he produced a moment of magic to dance past a stubborn Atletico defence before his lovely finish turned out to be the winning goal.

Unlike at the Etihad, where he refused to celebrate against his former club, the 25-year-old delivered a memorable celebration by jumping into the Bernabeu crowd.

Looking ahead to the second leg at Atletico, TNT Sports' Rio Ferdinand said: "I can’t wait for that game. This was a great kind of intro to this tie. We’ve had three fantastic goals. Three high technical goals."

Cast your votes below!

Wait... No Arsenal goals?!

Sorry Arsenal fans! Although your team did produce the result of the night - potentially the result of the season - none of their seven goals made the cut.

However, if you want to relive your team's unforgettable win, watch the highlights here: