One more to go! After seven games in the revamped Champions League league phase, Europe’s elite club’s have just a game play.
33 goals were scored on Tuesday, with loads of dumbfounded momemts characterizing Wednesday’s.
3Sports takes a look at some major talking points from matcbday seven.
Perfect through seven now time for title
Liverpool maintained their 100 percent record on Tuesday with a 2-1 win over Lille at Anfield, securing a last 16 berth in the process.
In his first season as Liverpool manager, Arne Slot is hitting unprecedented heights.
He joined Hansi Flick as the only managers to win their first seven Champions League games with a new club.
Mohamed Salah also bagged his 50th goal for Liverpool in European competitions, while Van Dijk’s 35 wins in the Champions League in 50 games is a tied club record.
But, what really is the end result to these statistics?
Win. Liverpool were last crowned Champions League winners in 2019 but after winning seven games, scoring 15 games and conceding just two, the title is in their sights.
Liverpool are odds-on favorite to win the Champions League. It wouldn’t come as a surprise if Van Dijk up-heaves the trophy in Munich in May, owing to how incredible they have been.
Liverpool have everything working in their favour and all it takes to succeed: a good manager, defensive compatibility, a free flowing attack.
The title is reallly theirs to lose.
Resilient Barcelona show character of champions
One primary principle in football is, even when you are not playing great as an elite club, you should be able to churn out result.
Barcelona on that corridor, were atrocious in the first 30 minutes and even through the first half against Benfica.
Barcelona were 3-1 down 3-1 in 30 minutes with Vangelis Pavlidos scoring a hat-trick.
Barcelona clawed back at 4-2 after the hour mark.
However, a brace from Raphinha and an Eric Garcia strike completed the remontada.
The major highlight from Barcelona’s game was the spirit and resilience portrayed.
Five wins from seven games is not a bad return for Flick’s side.
Their never say die attitude on the night was admirable.
Galacticos deliver !
So much promise has always been expected from Real Madrid’s star-studded squad.
Although a lowly Salzburg side, Real Madrid needed the win to avoid the embarassment of exiting the competition in the league phase.
They delivered with aplomb. Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr. netted braces in addition to Mbappe’s goal.
Pulling the strings for Real Madrid in midfield was Jude Bellingham, who set up the first two goals.
Big money spent and huge potentials, flattered to deceive for long but the Galacticos made their mark.
Out of sort Manchester City stare at early exit
The refrain of “City’s reign is coming down, I’m so happy” may have been echoing at the other side of Manchester after City lost their third game in four Champions League matches.
City’s place is now under threat. With one game to go, they are out of the playoff spots.
Their next game is a make-or-break tie against Club Brugge at Etihad Stadium.
It is not as straight forward a task as it is on paper.
Manchester City will need other result to go their way; the teams on top of them must falter and they must do their bit.
Paris Saint Germain rise from doldrums
Paris Saint Germain (PSG) secured a 4-2 comeback win over Manchester City.
PSG have been lacklustre, failing to provide the goods and replicate the form that sent them to their first-ever Champions League final in 2020.
However, a big second hand performance could be just about the spark they needed.
The win almost, and instantly, breathes life into their Champions League campaign.
PSG are now 22nd on the table with 10 points and will have to win their final game to avoid any surprises.
The post Five talking points from matchday 7 of 2024/25 Champions League first appeared on 3News.
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