Evaluating the Champions League in November is always challenging due to the unpredictable schedule of breaks. After coming back from an international break in late October, another break is looming next week, creating frustration for clubs struggling to find their rhythm in matches.
Despite this irregular calendar, the top three teams in the league phase are not adversely affected. Bayern Munich (facing PSG), Arsenal (winning 3-0 against Slavia Prague), and Internazionale (2-1 against Kairat) have maintained their impressive form. Meanwhile, Manchester City (4-1 over Borussia Dortmund), Newcastle United (defeating Athletic Club), and Tottenham Hotspur (4-0 against Copenhagen) continue to rise in the rankings.
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Liverpool secured a 1-0 victory against Real Madrid, showing renewed vigor, and notable history was made in Cyprus, where FC Pafos triumphed 1-0 over Villarreal. On the downside, Spanish teams Benfica, Olympiakos, and Ajax are still searching for their first win, and defending champions PSG faced multiple injuries in their recent match against Paris.
In an exciting finish, Club Brugge drew 3-3 with Barcelona, delivering an entertaining match. Brugge thought they had clinched the win in stoppage time with a goal from Romeo Vermant, but VAR intervened to rule it out for a foul on goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, leaving Brugge heartbroken and Barcelona relieved.
Here are the key winners and losers from this week’s UEFA Champions League.
Winners
Carlos Forbes: The 21-year-old winger from Club Brugge shone brightly, potentially marking the rise of a future star. After an impressive season in which he scored 25 goals and provided 13 assists for Man City’s Under-21s, he continued his remarkable form against Barcelona, netting twice and assisting to secure a vital point for Brugge, who remain unbeaten at home.
Phil Foden: The 25-year-old attacker made a strong comeback, scoring twice in Manchester City’s convincing 4-1 win over Borussia Dortmund—his first goals in this competition. Foden showcased his talent throughout the match, making it clear that he is essential for Josep Guardiola’s squad as the international break looms.
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Newcastle United: Although their Premier League season has been rocky, Eddie Howe’s side performs exceptionally well in the Champions League. Their only defeat came in the first match against Barcelona, but since then, they’ve gone on a strong run, not conceding a goal and defeating Athletic Club 2-0 in their most recent match.
Bayern Munich: Despite Luis Diaz experiencing a rollercoaster game—scoring twice and then receiving a red card—the team’s overall performance against PSG was dominating. Claiming a 2-1 victory at Parc des Princes, Bayern marked their 16th consecutive win across all competitions, solidifying their status as a favorite in the tournament.
FC Paphos: This Cypriot club celebrated a historic night with a 1-0 win against Villarreal, marking their first victory in the Champions League. Since its founding in 2014, FC Paphos has worked diligently to enhance its infrastructure and philosophy, and with former Arsenal assistant Juan Carlos Carcedo at the helm, they look to continue their upward trajectory.
Victor Osimhen: The Nigerian forward delivered an incredible performance, scoring a hat-trick against Ajax and breaking records as the first African to achieve this milestone for Galatasaray and only the second African to score three goals in a Champions League match.
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Losers
Barcelona: Hansi Flick’s team seems overly reliant on attacking prowess, leaving them vulnerable on defense. In their match against Brugge, while they scored three goals out of 21 attempts, their lack of defensive discipline, particularly with their high line, was evident, and they were fortunate to escape with a point.
Trent Alexander-Arnold: The Real Madrid right-back faced a hostile reception during his return to Anfield, highlighted by a vandalized mural labeled with unflattering terms. His short appearance against his former club lasted just 14 minutes before he was substituted in a 1-0 loss.
Luis Enrique: The PSG manager had a night to forget, not only losing to Bayern Munich but also watching key players suffer injuries. Ousmane Dembele was ruled out early, while Achraf Hakimi left the pitch in tears after a severe tackle. The growing list of injuries, compounded by the defeat, presents numerous challenges for the already stressed Spanish manager.
This week’s Champions League matches underscore the intense competition in European soccer, highlighting both emerging talents and the challenges faced by established clubs. For fans, these developments can shape the dynamics of the sport and influence their team’s prospects in one of the most prestigious tournaments in world football.
