Champions League Nights are back after about a month’s time and it just gets better like scotch. European Teams returned in high winning spirit as each strived for victory. 18 games were played across Europe in two memorable UEFA Champions League Nights. We came into this game week with only two game weeks left.
The atmospheres across the stadiums was electric as every match detail counted and added a solution to the puzzle. Lets dive into the unmissable moments from Game Week 7 of the UEFA Champions League Campaign. From the Los Blancos dominance to the PSG shock comeback against Manchester City.
PSG Shock Comeback against Manchester City
France Giants PSG hosted Manchester at Parc de France in a crucial UEFA Champions League fixture. PSG entered the round in elimination spots and desperately needed a win to improve their qualification chances.The teams played a first half tactical stalesmate. Early second half, Manchester City took the lead through Jack Grealish and Erling Harland.
Ousmane Dembele initiated the landlord’s comeback in a 4:2 full time score. This means three points for PSG placing them ahead of elimination territory and putting Manchester City in a scare for their 2025 Champions League Campaign. Bradley, Neves and Goncalo scored the three other goals for PSG.
Feyenoord vs Bayern Munich Match Review
The German side Bayern traveled to the Netherlands’ De Kuip stadium. They entered the fixture as favourites but Feyenoord had other preparations. Feyenoord’s forward Santiago Giménez opened the scoresheet in the 21st minute and added a penalty just before halftime to secure a brace. Ayase Ueda then added a third goal, securing three points for the Dutch team in a 3:0 score and placing them 11th with 13 points. Feyenoord pulled off one of the tournament’s biggest upsets.
A win for Feyenoord boosted their qualification chances to the Next Stage of the UEFA Champions League Campaign. On the other hand, Bayern München continues to deliver expectations and have to strive until final game day to confirm passage to the next round.
Real Madrid’s Elite Performance
Los Blancos entered the fixture in 20th position, on the brink of elimination, hosting Red Bull Salzburg on another Champions League Night. Real Madrid comprehensively defeated their opponents 5-1, securing their spot in the Champions League Play-offs. With only one game week remaining, they sit 16th with 12 points behind Bayern. A Rodrygo and Vinicius brace, plus a Mbappe goal, secured the victory, with Bidstrup scoring a consolation for RedBull.
The most decorated team in Champions League; Real Madrid started in extremely poor form with defeats against AC Milan and Liverpool. They have managed to qualify to the next stage through knockout play off territory. Will they be able to defend the title?
Liverpool vs Lille: 2:1 win for the Reds
English side Liverpool welcomed stubborn Lille to their home and put on a fantastic show in which Mohamed Salah and Harvey Elliot reached the opponents net securing two for Liverpool and Jonathan David scored the consolation for Lille. This puts Liverpool ahead of the park with 21 points.
Atletico Madrid Defeats Leverkusen in a Redcard Carnival
The City of Madrid in Spain witnessed an intense fixture between Atletico Madrid and German side Bayer Leverkusen. The referee awarded red cards to both teams as the feel for European Football peaked the stadium. It was a proper Champions League encounter, full of passion, intensity, and drama. Julian Alvarez emerged as the hero for Atletico, scoring a dramatic late winner in a 2:1 ft score.
Quick-Fire Match Highlights
Some matches might have flown under the radar, but they were no less exciting;
- Arsenal cruised to a comfortable 3-0 win against Dinamo Zagreb
- RB Leipzig edged out Sporting Lisbon in a nail-biting 2-1 victory
- AC Milan’s Rafael Leão scored the only goal needed to eliminate Girona
- Celtic snatched a late 1-0 win with an own goal
- Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martínez proved decisive with an early strike
Impact of Game week 7
The New UEFA Champions League Format has boosted competition and diversity among the fixtures. The first 8 teams qualify automatically to the round of 16. Teams from the 9th to 24th place will compete in play-offs for the next 8 quarter final spots. The rest will have to wait for the next campaign.
Liverpool and Barcelona have already qualified automatically. From 3rd seed Arsenal to Brest, all teams have a chance to fight for the top eight spots. Manchester City sits on the verge of elimination. Swiss side Young Boys and Slovan remain goalless with one fixture to go.
Which teams do you think will make the top eight? Share your thoughts below.
Nice and recognised