The fourth matchweek of the UEFA Champions League this season was marked by a thrilling game between Club Brugge and Barcelona, which ended in a 3-3 draw. Meanwhile, Manchester City was vastly superior to Borussia Dortmund in the most anticipated game. Newcastle also won, but Chelsea prevented them from achieving a 100% record in the Premier League with a draw.
Manchester City 4-1 Borussia Dortmund
City were dominant from the start, using a high-press and possession game to control proceedings often setting up in a 4-1-4-1 in defensive phases then when in possession morphed into more expansive shapes (even a 2-3-5-style push) to overload Dortmund’s flanks. Phil Foden occupied half-spaces, combining with Erling Haaland’s runs behind the defence, while Jérémy Doku offered width and penetration from the left flank.
City’s attacking structure and high-tempo transitions were excellent; defensively they were solid though not flawless (they conceded). Dortmund’s weaknesses in wide defensive coverage and exposure on transitions were punished.
Club Brugge 3-3 Barcelona
Barcelona attempted to dominate possession and build through midfield triangles and full-backs pushing up to stretch the pitch, menwhile Brugge set up compactly with a 4-2-3-1, defending in numbers, and looked to exploit Barcelona’s high line on the break and via quick transitions.
Hansi Flick's side defence continued to show frailties: the high line left spaces behind for Brugge’s transition attacks, resulting in early goals conceded. The game became end-to-end after the first half: both sides had chances, Barcelona committed numbers forward and Brugge looked dangerous on counters. During addition time, a disallowed goal late for Brugge added drama.
Newcastle 2-0 Athletic Bilbao
Newcastle set a structured home approach: compact in midfield and defence, looking to utilise set-pieces and aerial threat (both goals were headers) rather than purely expansive wing play.
Magpies played with 4-3-3 formation with emphasis on midfield solidity and feeding attacking outlets like Nick Woltemade and Anthony Gordon (when available) was anticipated. Bilbao, weakened by injuries and lacking attacking edge, had difficulty breaking down Newcastle’s organised defence and couldn’t exploit many clear chances.
Qarabag 2-2 Chelsea
Chelsea started strongly, taking an early lead (16’) through a Brazilian teenager, showing good forward movement and penetration, but Qarabağ responded effectively, capitalising on a defensive error (handball) to win a penalty and equalise before half-time. Chelsea’s defensive awareness was lacking in that phase.
At half-time, Chelsea made three alterations (including introducing Alejandro Garnacho, Enzo Fernández and Liam Delap) trying to inject fresh energy and control. Blues tried to dominate possession and territorial control, but their defensive organisation and response to opponent transitions were suspect. Qarabağ looked disciplined, committed to keep shape and strike on the break and via set-pieces.
Champions League Results
- Pafos 1-0 Villarreal
- Qarabag FK 2-2 Chelsea
- Manchester City 4-1 Borussia Dortmund
- Newcastle 2-0 Athletic Bilbao
- Ajax 0-3 Galatasaray
- Club Brugge 3-3 Barcelona
- Benfica 0-1 Leverkusen
- Inter 2-1 Kairat
- Marsellie 0-1 Atalanta