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Champions League Matchweek 8 Review


The final day of the Champions League’s new league phase was a whirlwind of action, with 18 matches producing 64 goals, three hat-tricks, and a narrative of drama that could fill a season, not just a night. Liverpool, despite a 3-2 defeat to PSV Eindhoven, clinched the top spot, but their joy might be short-lived with a potential showdown against PSG looming. The revamped format has certainly delivered on its promise of excitement, albeit at times overwhelming for spectators trying to keep up with the simultaneous matches.

Manchester City’s European Redemption

Manchester City, the defending champions, found themselves in an uncharacteristic position, needing a win just to secure a playoff spot. Their 3-1 comeback against Club Brugge was more relief than celebration, highlighting a season of European struggles. Facing either Real Madrid or Bayern Munich in the playoffs, City’s recent domestic form offers a glimmer of hope, but their vulnerabilities are all too apparent.

The Swiss Model: Too Much of a Good Thing?

The Swiss model of the Champions League, with its promise of simultaneous drama, lived up to the hype but perhaps to its detriment. The night was less about savoring football and more about enduring a sensory overload. Fans oscillated between excitement and stress, trying to follow an avalanche of goals without much context. Was this better than the traditional group stage finale? It’s a mix of high octane and chaos, leaving one to ponder the balance between thrill and coherence.

PSG’s Statement of Intent

Any whispers of a contrived draw between PSG and Stuttgart were quickly silenced by a dominant performance from PSG. Ousmane Dembele’s hat trick and Bradley Barcola’s header underscored a clear intent to not just make the playoffs but to do so with style, finishing the match with a resounding 4-1 victory. Stuttgart’s playoff hopes were dashed, finishing just outside the qualification spots.

Ousmane Champions League hat trick
(Photo by Xavier Laine/Getty Images)

Neto’s Night to Forget

Arsenal’s backup goalkeeper, Neto, provided one of the night’s more bizarre moments. His ill-advised venture far from his goal line allowed Girona’s Arnaut Danjuma an easy score. This incident, emblematic of Neto’s lack of recent match practice, might have Arsenal fans nervously checking David Raya’s fitness status.

USMNT Players in the Spotlight

The night was mixed for American players in Europe. Christian Pulisic scored for AC Milan, but a red card for teammate Yunus Musah saw them miss out on automatic qualification. Meanwhile, Ricardo Pepi shone for PSV Eindhoven, highlighting the diverse impact of USMNT players across European clubs.

Brest’s Dream Night Against Madrid

For Brest, hosting Real Madrid was more than just a game; it was a historic moment. Despite the smoke from flares delaying kick-off, the match ended in a comfortable Madrid win, but for Brest, the occasion itself was a victory, a testament to their remarkable European journey.

Rogers’ Hat-Trick Steals the Show at Villa

Amidst transfer rumors swirling around Jhon Duran and Ollie Watkins, it was Morgan Rogers who seized the spotlight with a hat-trick against Celtic, ensuring Aston Villa’s place in the last 16. Watkins’ penalty miss added a comedic footnote to an otherwise triumphant night for Villa.

UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League match between Aston Villa FC and Juventus at Villa Park on November 27, 2024 in Birmingham, England.
(Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

A Harsh Lesson for Liverpool’s Young Talent

Liverpool’s teenager Amara Nallo faced the harsh realities of elite football with a red card four minutes into his Champions League debut. A misjudged play against PSV’s Johan Bakayoko was a tough learning curve, but one that underscores the steep learning curve of young players in high-pressure environments.

Scoring Charts: Lewandowski and Guirassy Lead

Robert Lewandowski and Serhou Guirassy are tied at the top of the scoring charts, each with nine goals. Guirassy’s performance for Dortmund has been particularly notable, transforming from a Bundesliga standout to a European goal machine.

A Goal for the Memory Books

Despite a defeat, Red Bull Salzburg’s Adam Daghim provided a moment of pure footballing beauty with a spectacular half-volley against Atletico Madrid. In a game where the result was academic, this goal was a reminder of why we fall in love with football – for the moments of unexpected brilliance.

This night in the Champions League was a testament to the sport’s unpredictable nature, where every match can write its own chapter in the annals of football history.


By Nicky Helfgott / @NickyHelfgott1 on Twitter (X)

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