The Champions League never fails to deliver drama, and this week’s slate of fixtures is no exception. With heavyweights like Liverpool, Manchester City, Real Madrid, and Inter Milan all facing pivotal games, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Alisson Becker’s long-awaited return promises to bolster Liverpool as they aim to cement a top-8 spot, while Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City are scrambling to avoid an unthinkable early exit amid their worst form in years.
Over in Italy, Real Madrid head to Bergamo for a clash with high-flying Atalanta in a contest that could define their season. Meanwhile, Bayer Leverkusen and Inter Milan square off in Germany, a battle of contrasting styles between an attacking juggernaut and a defensive fortress. As the group stage barrels toward its conclusion, these games will shape the destiny of Europe’s elite clubs. Buckle up—it’s going to be a wild ride.
Champions League Matchweek Six Preview
Alisson to return for Liverpool against Girona
Liverpool fans can breathe a sigh of relief: Alisson Becker is back. After over two months on the sidelines nursing a hamstring injury, the Brazilian shot-stopper is fit and ready for action in Tuesday night’s crucial Champions League clash with Girona.
While Caoimhín Kelleher’s performances in Alisson’s absence have been admirable, there’s no replacing the calming presence and game-changing saves of Liverpool’s long-time No. 1. Alisson’s return couldn’t come at a better time either, with the Reds looking to secure a top-8 spot, thus avoiding the pre-round of 16 playoffs. Arne Slot, Liverpool’s head coach, hinted at the goalkeeper’s readiness with characteristic understatement, but the reality is clear: Alisson is a game-changer. Girona may be flying high domestically, but they’ll need something special to breach the Liverpool goal now guarded by one of the world’s best.
Will Liverpool be able to cope without Alisson TILL CHRISTMAS? 😱 pic.twitter.com/Wkyj1Y4dHH
— 365Scores (@365Scores) October 19, 2024
Manchester City’s woes to continue against Juventus?
What is going on with Manchester City? Just months removed from a title-winning season, Pep Guardiola’s side looks a shadow of itself. A calamitous 3-3 draw against Feyenoord in their last Champions League outing—where City blew a three-goal lead—epitomised their struggles. Their normally impenetrable defence has leaked seven goals in their last two European games, and confidence seems to have evaporated across the squad.
City’s trip to Turin this week is less a Champions League clash and more a crisis checkpoint. Can they stop the slide, or is this truly the end of Guardiola’s imperious reign? Meanwhile, Juventus aren’t exactly thriving either, stuck in a loop of frustrating draws. Both teams need a result, but for City, anything less than a win would signal deeper trouble.
Manchester City are the first team in Champions League history to lead a match by 3 goals as late as the 75th minute and fail to go on to win. pic.twitter.com/d9fHsy2RLu
— 365Scores (@365Scores) November 27, 2024
Real Madrid NEED a big result
Atalanta are riding high in Serie A, but Tuesday’s Champions League showdown with Real Madrid feels like a litmus test for their European credentials. Gian Piero Gasperini’s side has been sensational domestically, top of the table and scoring for fun, but their Champions League form has been more measured. A team built on attacking brilliance, Atalanta will look to put a dent in Madrid’s European dominance.
As for Los Blancos, the reigning champions are barely clinging to a playoff spot in the Champions League, a shocking drop-off from their usual standards. Despite their struggles, Madrid remain dangerous—just ask Girona, who were dismantled 3-0 in La Liga this past weekend. Jude Bellingham has been recently carrying this team on his back, with goals in five straight league games, but against a rampant Atalanta, Madrid will need more than the Englishman’s heroics to survive.
Leverkusen and Inter battle in a huge clash
Tuesday night in Germany offers a mouthwatering clash between Bayer Leverkusen and Inter Milan, two sides with ambitions of going deep in this year’s Champions League. Leverkusen have been electric at home, demolishing Salzburg 5-0 in their last outing at the BayArena, with Florian Wirtz pulling the strings. But Xabi Alonso’s side also knows the sting of defeat, having been humbled 4-0 at Anfield earlier in the group stage. Inter, meanwhile, are quietly becoming the tournament’s defensive masters.
They’ve gone four straight games without conceding in Europe and could make history with another clean sheet. However, this isn’t just about shutting up shop—Inter’s attack has been prolific, with Nicolo Barella and Lautaro Martínez leading the charge. For Leverkusen, this game is about proving they belong at the top table. For Inter, it’s about continuing their march toward the knockout rounds with style and steel.
Here's our stats summary of the Champions League's 5th gameweek! pic.twitter.com/xCkj4xG3ch
— 365Scores (@365Scores) November 28, 2024
By Nicky Helfgott / @NickyHelfgott1 on Twitter (X)
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