Champions League Matchweek Four Review: Rampant Raphinha, Shock at the Bernabeu and is Viktor Gyokeres the best striker in the world?
The Champions League roared back to life this week with a round full of drama, dominance, and a few moments of pure shock. Matchweek Four served up a blend of scintillating performances, unexpected upsets, and breakout stars that reminded us why this tournament is unmatched in the footballing world. Barcelona continued their resurgence with another high-scoring display, as Raphinha and co. put the continent on notice with a show of force.
Meanwhile, AC Milan stunned Real Madrid at the Bernabeu in a night to remember, and Liverpool underlined their continental aspirations with a clinical demolition of Bayer Leverkusen. But perhaps the biggest question emerging from this week is whether Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres, in breathtaking form, has become Europe’s most in-form striker.
From the underdog story of Brest’s fairytale run to the knockout stages to Gyokeres’ remarkable scoring spree, here’s a breakdown of the key talking points from another thrilling Champions League matchweek.
Champions League Matchweek Four Review
Rampant Raphinha and Barcelona keep marching forward
Barcelona’s long-awaited resurgence in the Champions League has arrived, and they’re not just winning – they’re dominating. Following years of middling performances since their infamous 2018-19 semifinal exit, Barcelona are finally clicking into gear under Hansi Flick. With five matches in their last seven featuring them scoring four or more goals, the Catalan side has sent a clear message to Europe: they’re back, and they mean business.
Their victories against top-tier teams like Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Sevilla underscore their growing strength, while emerging talents, notably Lamine Yamal, provide a tantalizing glimpse of a promising future. Raphinha, who bagged a hat trick against Bayern and continued his scoring spree this week, embodies their newfound tenacity. With a mix of experienced players and young stars, Barcelona look poised to contend for a sixth Champions League trophy. Flick’s management has balanced their potent attack with defensive resilience, cultivating a squad that might just be on the cusp of a dynastic run in European football.
Real Madrid suffer a shock defeat to AC Milan
The Bernabeu, so often a fortress for Real Madrid, was left stunned after AC Milan walked away with a remarkable 3-1 Champions League victory. Milan, inconsistent in Serie A, showed a level of dominance rarely seen from them this season. Rafael Leao, dropped in earlier matches by new manager Paulo Fonseca, put on a show, combining with Theo Hernandez to destroy Madrid’s defense. Alvaro Morata restored Milan’s lead after Leao’s shot was parried, only for Leao to tee up Tijjani Reijnders to ice the game.
Madrid had their chances, outshooting Milan 23-14 and controlling 57% of possession, but Milan’s clinical edge won out. Despite their league struggles, Milan reminded everyone that their best, spearheaded by Leao and Hernandez, can dismantle even Europe’s finest. For Real, the loss is a reminder that dominance in possession and shot count doesn’t always equate to victory – especially against a Milan side clicking at the right time.
Real Madrid's week from hell continues! 😱
— 365Scores (@365Scores) November 6, 2024
After a devastating El Clásico loss and Vinicius Jr.'s Ballon d'Or snub, they suffer a shock defeat to AC Milan in the Champions League pic.twitter.com/zfxIe5Z3B3
Viktor Gyokeres is the most in-form striker in the world right now
Viktor Gyokeres is the name on everyone’s lips in Europe right now, and for good reason. His hat-trick this week against Manchester City elevated him to an astounding 23 goals in 15 matches for club and country this season. In Sporting’s remarkable victory, Gyokeres proved himself not just an in-form striker but perhaps the most lethal forward in the game at the moment.
In a fitting twist, Sporting fans showed their appreciation with a massive tifo reading “Obrigada” as manager Ruben Amorim approaches his move to be Manchester United’s new head coach. Gyokeres took centre stage in a clash of high-profile Nordic strikers, decisively outshining his opposition. His scoring prowess is not just a statistic; it’s a statement of Sporting’s attacking philosophy. Gyokeres has consistently delivered big-game performances, a feat few strikers can claim. As the world watches his rise, questions loom: can he sustain this form, and is he truly the best in the world right now?
Viktor Gyökeres could be on his way to Manchester to reunite with his former manager, Rúben Amorim. The Swedish striker has been impressive in the Championship🚨 pic.twitter.com/tBWDdJ7pNo
— 365Scores (@365Scores) November 1, 2024
Liverpool smash Leverkusen
Anfield is not the place to visit if you’re looking for an easy game, and Bayer Leverkusen learned that the hard way. Liverpool cruised to a 4-0 victory, maintaining the only perfect record in the Champions League’s new format, and showcased a team in total harmony under Arne Slot. Luis Diaz was the star of the night, netting a sensational second-half hat trick that left the Anfield crowd roaring. His cheeky chip over the keeper was the crowning moment of the evening.
Slot has swiftly integrated his dynamic style into Liverpool’s DNA, and it’s paying dividends in both the Premier League and Champions League. While Leverkusen’s impressive run last season was always going to be tough to repeat, Liverpool’s ruthless performance underscores the gulf in class and confidence between the two sides. Slot’s side is purring, and with a side this electric, Liverpool might just be Europe’s team to beat.
Brest are battling with the big boys
In a year of Champions League surprises, Brest’s extraordinary run might top them all. Just five years after their promotion to Ligue 1, Brest are punching well above their weight on Europe’s grandest stage. With a commanding 2-1 win over Sparta Prague, they’ve taken their tally to 10 points, surpassing expectations and nearly guaranteeing a spot in the knockout rounds. Edimilson Fernandes’s volley set the tone, and an own goal forced by Brest’s relentless pressing secured the win.
Even with a slim squad, Brest are making every minute count, peppering Prague with 18 shots. They’ve proven themselves against stronger teams like Leverkusen and Red Bull Salzburg, showing resilience and grit that their domestic form doesn’t quite reflect. Brest’s story is a testament to underdog resilience, and as they eye a knockout berth, fans and neutrals alike are savoring every moment of their unexpected journey in the Champions League.
Micah Richards says Brest are “a bit lopsided”…😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/txYJ18v29v
— The 44 ⚽️ (@The_Forty_Four) October 1, 2024
By Nicky Helfgott / @NickyHelfgott1 on Twitter (X)
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