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Champions League Matchweek Three Review – Electric Barcelona, Flawless Premier League sides and Ballon D’Or Vinicius!

Photo of Nicky Nicky24/10/2024 - 08:28 am
Vinicius is the best player in the Champions League
(Photo by THOMAS COEX/AFP via Getty Images)

This Champions League matchweek had it all—redemption stories, jaw-dropping individual performances, and a clean sweep by English clubs that underlined the Premier League’s supremacy in Europe. Barcelona put on a show against Bayern Munich, with Raphinha silencing his critics in style, while Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr. continued his march toward Ballon d’Or glory with a hat trick against Borussia Dortmund. English sides looked impenetrable, not conceding a single goal across all their fixtures, while Arsenal’s injury woes mounted despite their narrow victory.

And, of course, Erling Haaland reminded us that even when he’s not scoring conventionally, he’s still doing things that leave our jaws on the floor. Meanwhile, Jonathan David continued his personal crusade against Madrid’s giants. In short, it was a week that showcased why the Champions League remains the pinnacle of club football—drama, brilliance, and, above all, moments that define seasons. Let’s break down the biggest stories.

Barcelona THUMP Bayern Munich

Barcelona’s 4-1 dismantling of Bayern Munich was a statement win, and at its heart was Raphinha, who delivered a dazzling hat trick. Just 24 hours before kickoff, the Brazilian expressed frustration at rumors linking Barça with Nico Williams, calling them disrespectful. The speculation reached a fever pitch when a fan was spotted in a Williams shirt with Raphinha’s No. 11 on it. On the pitch, though, Raphinha let his play do the talking. He was relentless, bagging goals that reminded everyone why Barça have put their faith in him.

Lamine Yamal, the young phenom, also lit up the Camp Nou, creating havoc down the flanks. With ten goals in three Champions League matches this season, Barça are showing a cohesion and fluidity they’ve lacked at times in recent years. This win not only cements them as contenders but also serves as a personal vindication for Raphinha. He isn’t going anywhere – except, perhaps, on the scoresheet.

Vinicius is on the verge of winning the Ballon D’Or – he proved why against Borussia Dortmund

Vinicius Jr. is leaving nothing to chance in his Ballon d’Or campaign. If his recent displays weren’t enough, his performance against Borussia Dortmund felt like a coronation. Real Madrid faced a 2-0 deficit before Vinicius decided to take control. His hat trick was a masterclass in versatility: a poacher’s instinct for the first, followed by two solo efforts that showcased his speed, skill, and ice-cold finishing. Vini isn’t just Madrid’s talisman; he’s arguably the most dynamic player in the world.

His statistics speak volumes – he leads in goal contributions, assists, key passes, dribbles, duels won, and penalty box actions over the last four Champions League campaigns. With the Ballon d’Or ceremony just around the corner, the hype isn’t misplaced. When his name is called in Paris on Monday, it will be the culmination of his meteoric rise.

English teams enjoy a perfect Champions League matchweek

It’s no surprise that English clubs swept the Champions League matchweek with a clean slate. Arsenal, Aston Villa, Liverpool, and Manchester City all claimed victories, and impressively, none of them conceded a goal. Arsenal edged Shakhtar Donetsk 1-0, Villa handled Bologna 2-0, Liverpool battled to a 1-0 win against Leipzig, and City annihilated Prague with a 5-0 rout. It’s a reminder of just how dominant the Premier League is at the moment.

The standard is so high that even in Europe’s elite competition, English teams are a cut above the rest. This perfect matchweek underscores their depth, tactical nous, and, crucially, their consistency. At this rate, it wouldn’t be surprising if the latter stages of the tournament end up with a distinctly English flavor once again.

Injury woes continue for Arsenal

Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk was another step forward in their European campaign, but the victory came at a cost. Already grappling with injuries to stars like Martin Ødegaard and Bukayo Saka, the Gunners saw new signing Riccardo Calafiori hobble off with a right knee issue in the 72nd minute. The Italian fullback had quickly become a key part of Mikel Arteta’s setup, offering versatility and defensive stability.

Now, with another player sidelined, Arteta admitted post-match that he’s “a bit worried” about Calafiori and the team’s growing injury list. With Arsenal’s ambitions to compete on multiple fronts this season, these absences could prove challenging as the schedule intensifies. The Gunners will need all hands on deck if they want to maintain momentum in both the Premier League and Europe.

Champions League woes for Arsenal
(Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Erling Ibrahimaaland… or something like that

Erling Haaland’s clinical nature has become almost monotonous—until he pulls off something spectacular. The Norwegian striker has been unstoppable, scoring three in three in the Champions League this season and racking up ten goals in eight Premier League matches. But his backheel goal against Prague was a moment of pure audacity, reminiscent of Zlatan’s flair for the dramatic.

It wasn’t just the finish that stunned, but the precision and audacity with which he executed it. Haaland’s already imposing physicality, combined with this kind of technical brilliance, makes him a nightmare for defenders. Manchester City’s striker isn’t just scoring; he’s reinventing what’s possible on a football pitch.

Why does Jonathan David hate Madrid so much?

Jonathan David seems to have a personal vendetta against Madrid and its football tems. The Lille forward has been a thorn in the sides of the Spanish capital this season, first scoring the winner in a 1-0 triumph over Real Madrid, and now bagging a brace against Atlético in a 3-1 victory.

It’s not just the goals; it’s how he’s doing it. David was everywhere against Atleti, stretching their defense and causing problems with his movement and speed. His performances against Madrid’s heavyweights have shown that he thrives on the big stage. For La Liga’s biggest clubs, David is becoming a recurring nightmare.

Champions League hero for Lille
(Photo by Michael Regan – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

By Nicky Helfgott / @NickyHelfgott1 on Twitter (X)

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Photo of Nicky Nicky24/10/2024 - 08:28 am

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