After seven games in the newly revamped Champions League league phase, Europe’s elite clubs are down to their final matches, with plenty still to play for. Tuesday saw 33 goals scored, with moments of shock, brilliance, and resilience characterizing the fixtures. Sport Blitz 360 highlights the major talking points from matchday seven.
Perfect through seven now time for title
Liverpool maintained their 100% record with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Lille at Anfield, securing their place in the last 16. Manager Arne Slot is enjoying an incredible debut season, joining Hansi Flick as the only managers to win their first seven Champions League games with a new club.
Mohamed Salah scored his 50th goal for Liverpool in European competitions, while Virgil van Dijk tied a club record with 35 wins in his first 50 Champions League games. With 15 goals scored and just two conceded across seven matches, Liverpool have positioned themselves as early favorites to lift the trophy in Munich this May.
Resilient Barcelona show character of champions
Barcelona’s clash with Benfica showcased the Catalans’ resilience. Despite falling 3-1 behind inside 30 minutes, with Vangelis Pavlidis scoring a hat-trick, Hansi Flick’s side clawed back to win 4-2 thanks to a brace from Raphinha and a strike from Eric Garcia.
While Barcelona were shaky early on, their never-say-die attitude under Flick remains promising. Five wins from seven matches have kept them firmly in contention as the Champions League enters its knockout stages.
Galacticos deliver !
Real Madrid avoided potential embarrassment against Salzburg, a lowly side in the table, with a confident display. Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr. both scored braces, while Kylian Mbappe added a goal. Jude Bellingham was pivotal in midfield, assisting the first two goals.
Despite their star-studded squad, the Galacticos were reminded that even against modest opponents, professionalism is essential in Europe’s premier competition.
Out of sort Manchester City stare at early exit
Manchester City’s Champions League campaign remains in jeopardy after a third defeat in four matches. With one game to go, City find themselves outside the playoff spots. Their upcoming tie against Club Brugge at the Etihad is now make-or-break, and the Premier League champions will need other results to go their way to secure progression.
Paris Saint Germain rise from doldrums
Paris Saint-Germain secured a 4-2 comeback victory over Manchester City, breathing new life into their campaign. After a disappointing run in recent matches, the win puts PSG back in contention, although they remain 22nd on the league table with 10 points. A win in their final game is now crucial to avoid an early exit from Europe’s top club competition.
As the league phase concludes, all eyes turn to the final round of fixtures, where drama, qualification battles, and heartbreak await across Europe.
