With the conclusion of the fifth round of the Champions League—the second-to-last week of the year—the race for the top eight spots intensifies. The standings are closely contested, but one team stands out: Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, who remains unbeaten after delivering a dazzling 3-1 victory against Bayern Munich, managed by Vincent Kompany.
In Greece, Real Madrid triumphed over Olympiakos with a thrilling 4-3 scoreline, highlighted by four goals from Kylian Mbappé—marking the club’s first win on Greek soil. Meanwhile, Liverpool’s struggles continued as they suffered a 4-1 defeat to PSV, escalating the crisis on Merseyside.
Wednesday was a thrilling night for Champions League enthusiasts, showcasing a series of captivating matches. PSG’s 5-3 victory over Tottenham pushed them into second place, while Atletico Madrid snatched a last-minute win against Inter. In total, 42 goals were scored that night, showcasing the high caliber of European club football.
Here’s a look at the week’s winners and losers in the prestigious tournament.
Winners
Arsenal
It’s undeniable: Arsenal is the top team in Europe right now. Their win against Bayern Munich and Inter’s loss to Atletico Madrid positions them as the sole leaders in the group stage. With standout performances from players like Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka, the team’s synergy both with and without the ball has been remarkable. Although they haven’t secured the Premier League or Champions League in two decades, both titles seem attainable.
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Kylian Mbappe
Wednesday evening was clearly dominated by Mbappé, who netted a hat-trick within the first seven minutes and added a fourth goal later, leading Real Madrid to their inaugural victory in Greece. With 22 goals across all competitions already this season, he’s on track to far exceed last season’s total of 42. Is he the best player in the world right now? Absolutely.
Chelsea and Estevan
At Stamford Bridge on Tuesday, Chelsea showcased their prowess with a 3-0 win over Barcelona. While Barcelona was down a player after Ronald Araujo’s red card, it was Chelsea’s collective and individual talent that paved the way for dominance. 18-year-old Brazilian forward Estevan shone brightly, providing a performance worthy of applause, reminiscent of a young Neymar. He scored a spectacular goal and played with exceptional maturity, outshining his counterpart, 16-year-old Lamine Yamal, in a match full of emerging stars.
Losers
Liverpool and Arne Slott
Liverpool’s heavy defeat to PSV marked their third consecutive loss in all competitions and their ninth loss in just 12 matches. The alarm bells are ringing at Anfield, and while Slot bears responsibility, the players must also be scrutinized for their individual errors. The champions are struggling, and some fans are already calling for Slot’s dismissal.
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Barcelona
While Chelsea is celebrated as a winner, Barcelona finds itself in the opposite category. After the defeat, Flick acknowledged Chelsea’s superior tactical execution, contrasting it with Barcelona’s outdated strategies that have persisted despite consistent failures. The Blaugrana’s heavy reliance on high pressing is exposing them to counterattacks, which continues to hinder their performance against top-tier teams.
Pep Guardiola
Tuesday was expected to be a celebration for Guardiola, marking his 100th Champions League match for the club. However, Bayer Leverkusen triumphed with a surprising 2-0 victory. Guardiola’s decision to rotate his squad extensively backfired, leaving room for criticism as his team played cautiously rather than with their trademark aggression.
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Fan Take: This week’s Champions League matches highlight the ever-changing landscape of European football, with teams like Arsenal and Madrid setting high standards, while others like Liverpool and Barcelona face serious questioning. For soccer fans, these shifts can reshape the competitive dynamics of leagues and tournaments, perhaps culminating in unexpected outcomes as the season progresses.
