The Champions League delivered another dose of high drama and stunning results as the revamped competition’s group stage reached its midway point. Atlético Madrid left it late to stun Paris Saint-Germain in the French capital, while Bayern Munich got back to winning ways and Barcelona continued their scintillating form.
Correa Crushes PSG’s Hopes
Ángel Correa’s stoppage-time winner silenced the Parc des Princes as Atlético Madrid snatched a dramatic 2-1 victory over PSG. The home side had taken an early lead through wonderkid Warren Zaïre-Emery, but Nahuel Molina equalized before the break to set the stage for Correa’s late heroics.
The result leaves PSG languishing in the elimination zone with just four points from four games. They now face a daunting double-header against Bayern Munich and RB Salzburg as they bid to salvage their European campaign.
We tried and tried, right up to the last minute. Unfortunately, we conceded a goal on their last chance.
– PSG midfielder Vitinha
Musiala Magic Inspires Bayern
Bayern Munich bounced back from their 4-1 humbling at Barcelona with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Benfica. Jamal Musiala’s bullet header midway through the second half proved decisive as the Bavarians dominated proceedings.
The victory sees Bayern join Benfica on six points, four adrift of runaway leaders Brest and Atalanta. Julian Nagelsmann’s side will be relieved to steady the ship ahead of key clashes with PSG and RB Salzburg.
Barça Sweep Aside Zvezda
Robert Lewandowski’s brace helped Barcelona to a comfortable 5-2 win at Red Star Belgrade, extending their winning streak to seven games in all competitions. The Blaugrana were rarely troubled as Iñigo Martínez, Raphinha, and Fermín López also got on the scoresheet.
Barça’s third straight win in the revamped Champions League lifts them to sixth overall, fueling belief that Xavi’s side can be genuine contenders for the trophy they last lifted in 2015.
Brest and Atalanta March On
Brest continued their fairytale introduction to Champions League life with a 2-1 win at Sparta Prague. Second-half strikes from Edimilson Fernandes and Kaan Kairinen proved enough for the French side to retain their place at the summit.
Atalanta remain hot on their heels after a workmanlike 2-0 victory over Stuttgart. Goals from Ademola Lookman and Nicolò Zaniolo were just reward for a dominant display from Gian Piero Gasperini’s men, who are yet to concede in the competition.
Best of the Rest
- RB Salzburg claimed their first win, 3-1 at 10-man Feyenoord, with Karim Konate netting twice.
- Shakhtar Donetsk saw off Young Boys 2-1 in their adopted home of Gelsenkirchen for a maiden victory.
- Young Boys prop up the standings as one of five clubs yet to register a point.
As the competition pauses for the international break, the revamped Champions League has already delivered its fair share of thrills and spills. With the tantalizing prospect of more shocks in store, the battle for supremacy will only intensify from here.
