After nearly 50 goals were scored yesterday, the UEFA Champions League had another day of heavy scoring with victories for Real Madrid, Chelsea, and especially Liverpool, which snapped its four-game losing streak. Harry Kane scored again and continues his head-to-head battle with Erling Haaland for the top scorer title in Europe.
Real Madrid 1-0 Juventus
Real Madrid hosted Juventus and secured a 1-0 victory at Santiago Bernabeu. Juventus started with some promising chances (e.g., Dušan Vlahović and Weston McKennie) but were blocked by an alert Thibaut Courtois and a resilient Real defence. Real Madrid gradually took control through possession and territorial dominance, though they didn’t create a large number of clear chances. Their defensive solidity and patient build-up paid dividends.
The decisive moment came in the 58th minute: Jude Bellingham scored his first goal since June after Vinícius Júnior’s shot struck the post and Bellingham was there to tap in the rebound. With this win, Real Madrid remain on a perfect record in the group stage (3 wins out of 3). Juventus, in contrast, remain winless in the group and their hopes look shaky.
Eintracht Frankfurt 1-5 Liverpool
Liverpool visited Eintracht Frankfurt and recorded a convincing 5-1 win, ending their poor run of form with this emphatic victory, which should help restore confidence. Eintracht Frankfurt took the lead first, putting Liverpool on the back foot. However, Liverpool responded strongly — the comeback included a goal by Virgil van Dijk and further strikes by Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai.
Liverpool dominated in the second half, asserting control, creating many chances and converting them with authority. The comeback and the margin show Liverpool’s attacking firepower and potential, which will be important if they are to progress to the knockout stages.
Chelsea 5-1 Ajax
Chelsea was the another Premier League team that had no problems at Champions League this week and dismantled Ajax with a dominant 5-1 home win. Ajax’s captain Kenneth Taylor was sent off in the 17th minute for a dangerous tackle, putting the Eredivisie side at a huge disadvantage. Immediately after the red card Chelsea struck: 19-year-old Marc Guiu scored a minute later, giving Chelsea momentum.
A deflected long shot from Moisés Caicedo made it 2-0, then Ajax got a penalty and scored (via Wout Weghorst) to make it 2-1. But Chelsea responded with two more penalties (by Enzo Fernández and 18-year-old Brazilian Estevão) before the break, and teenager Tyrique George added the fifth goal in the second half.
Monaco 0-0 Tottenham
The Premier League's week in the UEFA Champions League was only marred by Tottenham's goalless draw against Monaco. The french side dominated large parts of the game: more possession, more clear chances created, more threatening attacks. They were particularly dangerous on the flanks and on counter-attacks, with players like Maghnes Akliouche and Folarin Balogun often involved.
Tottenham were under considerable pressure for much of the game. They defended deep and spent much time absorbing Monaco’s attacks. Bhe standout player for Spurs was Guglielmo Vicario. He made a number of crucial saves and was instrumental in keeping Monaco out of score.
Champions League Matchweek 3 Results
- Athletic Club 3-1 Qarabag FK
- Galatasaray 3-1 Bodo/Glimt
- Chelsea 5-1 Ajax
- Real Madrid 1-0 Juventus
- Sporting 2-1 Marsellie
- Monaco 0-0 Tottenham
- Atalanta 0-0 Slavia Praga
- Eintracht Frankfurt 1-5 Liverpool
- Bayern 4-0 Club Brugge