Title-holders Paris Saint-Germain came from behind to beat Barcelona 2-1 with a last-minute goal in the Champions League on Wednesday, while Manchester City had to settle for a draw in Monaco despite Erling Haaland’s double.
A Victor Osimhen penalty gave Galatasaray victory over Liverpool in the Champions League on Tuesday, while Chelsea edged out Jose Mourinho’s Benfica and Kylian Mbappe hit a hat-trick for Real Madrid in Kazakhstan.
Kylian Mbappe struck a hat-trick as record 15-time Champions League winners Real Madrid romped to a 5-0 league phase win over Kairat in Kazakhstan on Tuesday.
Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique compared Barcelona midfielder Pedri Gonzalez to fictional wizard Harry Potter and said he hopes the Spaniard doesn’t “bring his wand” to Wednesday’s Champions League clash.
Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal almost became the youngest ever Ballon d’Or winner last week at 18, and Wednesday’s Champions League clash against PSG offers the ideal opportunity to begin stating his case for next year.
PSG face their biggest test of the season so far when the Champions League title-holders visit Barcelona this week, but Luis Enrique’s side come into the game in the midst of an injury crisis affecting several of their biggest stars.
It was upon Jose Mourinho’s arrival at Chelsea in 2004 that he proclaimed himself a “special one”, although that sheen has worn away two decades on as he returns to Stamford Bridge on Tuesday with Benfica.
With the return of the UEFA Champions League, FourFourTwo break down just why football’s greatest competition is better than ever. From the new format, to the title favourites and more.
The new league-phase format of the UEFA Champions League has introduced a challenge that goes far beyond tactics and form, with record-winners Real Madrid facing a bigger impact than most.
Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah delivered one of the most remarkable individual seasons in Premier League history, but it won’t be enough to win the 2025 Ballon d’Or, writes Dylan Johnson.