The United States makes its mark on the UEFA Champions League

The UEFA Champions League playoffs settled the final eight clubs joining the top eight seeds in the round of 16 of Europe’s premier club competition. Johnny Cardoso, Yunus Musah and Malik Tillman are the only Americans who secured their place in the next round.

Even so, the tie carried a strong U.S. imprint. Folarin Balogun and Weston McKennie – two key pieces in Mauricio Pochettino’s setup – briefly ignited hopes at Monaco and Juventus, respectively, but it ultimately was not enough.

Balogun stunned Paris Saint-Germain in the opening leg, scoring twice to put the reigning European champions on the ropes. After just 55 seconds, he struck first with a header inside the box, then beat the back line to finish emphatically with a powerful shot. PSG rallied and prevailed 3-2.

McKennie, meanwhile, breathed life into Juventus with a header right in front of the Galatasaray goalkeeper to level the aggregate score. He later had a chance to assist, but Edon Zhegrova sent his effort wide. In the end, it was a bitter night as Galatasaray sealed the tie with two goals to eliminate the American’s side.

Despite the setback, McKennie continues to thrive in Turin. Last week Luciano Spalletti deployed him as a No. 9. This time he lined up at fullback and once again answered the call when his club needed him most.

Johnny Cardoso lifts Atlético Madrid into the round of 16

While Bayer Leverkusen advanced without Malik Tillman – who missed the second leg against Olympiacos through injury – Cardoso delivered a decisive moment for Atlético Madrid.

After a shaky stretch that had raised concerns months before the World Cup, the American midfielder is now emerging as one of Diego Simeone’s trusted figures. Though his overall display was not spectacular, Cardoso scored the goal that made it 2-1 for the Colchoneros.

That leaves four Americans set to feature in the Champions League round of 16. Obed Vargas, who represents Mexico but was born in Alaska, also qualifies by birth, alongside Cardoso, Musah and Tillman as they aim to continue their run in Europe’s showcase tournament.

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