(Football news) Another scintillating matchweek of the prestigious UEFA Champions League is over. There were quite a few entertaining games and some major upsets.
Bayern Munich ran riot over Dynamo Kiev at the Allianz Arena. Robert Lewandowski scored twice in the first half before Serge Gnabry, Leroy Sane and Eric Maxim Chouo-Moting scored one each as Bayern won 5-0. Bayern Munich have pretty much booked their place in the Round of 16. It will be a mighty upset if they don't top the group from this position. Their next game is away at Benfica. Kiev were never really expected to win the game but their next game against Barcelona will be the one where they could get a result.
Benfica pulled off a major upset by beating Barcelona 3-0. Barcelona are in deep trouble at the moment with major problems on and off the pitch. In their 2 UCL games this season they have conceded 6 goals, scored none and have had only 1 shot on target. Ronald Koeman is walking on very thin ice and a loss against Atlético Madrid on the weekend could be the end for him. If Barcelona fail to get 3 points in their next UCL game against Dynamo Kiev then Europa League could be a very likely possibility for them. Benfica with the win have bettered their chances of qualifying for the Round of 16.
Also read: Cristiano Ronaldo scores dramatic last minute winner to mark record breaking UCL appearance
Manchester United rolled back the years with an epic 'Fergie time' victory against Manchester United. After a lackluster first half performance, Manchester United conceded a goal scored by Paco Alcacer. Alex Telles scored a sublime volley to bring United back on level terms before 'Mr. Champions League' Cristiano Ronaldo scored from virtually the last kick of the game. Manchester United would've been in a pickle if the goal hadn't gone as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men got back to winning ways after two consecutive defeats. A tough run of fixtures awaits for the Red Devils where they face Everton, Leicester City, Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool, Manchester City and Atalanta twice. The comeback and win would've been a massive relief for the club.
Juventus edged Chelsea with 1-0 win in Turin. This was Chelsea's 2nd consecutive loss after being unbeaten since the start of the season. Federico Chiesa scored a powerful goal straight after the 2nd half kickoff. Chelsea went into hibernation mode in the entire first half. The blues had 74 percent possession but could only manage 1 shot on target. This is a big wake up call for Thomas Tuchel and his team. N'golo Kante's absence was clearly felt in midfield after the Frenchman was tested positive for Covid-19. Chelsea have a favourable run of fixtures which is good news for them. They are expected to get 6 points in their next two UCL games against Malmo. Qualification is still very likely for both these teams but nothing can be taken for granted.