Real Madrid and Manchester City Suffer Embarrassing Champions League Defeats, While Liverpool Celebrates Alonso’s Homecoming
The Champions League served up some dramatic surprises this week as two European titans, Real Madrid and Manchester City, were humbled on Tuesday.
Real Madrid, last year’s champions, took a beating on home turf with a 3-1 loss to AC Milan. Meanwhile, Erling Haaland missed a crucial penalty as Manchester City, after initially securing a lead four minutes in, crumbled to a 4-1 defeat against Sporting Lisbon. Adding an interesting twist, Lisbon’s coach is set to switch allegiance to City’s neighbors soon.
Liverpool, on the other hand, enjoyed a triumphant evening. Luis Diaz was in stellar form, netting three goals, while Cody Gakpo also found the back of the net. This commanding 4-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen at Anfield put a damper on Xabi Alonso’s homecoming.
Alonso, now at the helm of Leverkusen, received a hero’s welcome from the Liverpool faithful, a nod to his days as a beloved player during his time from 2004 to 2009, not forgetting that unforgettable Champions League victory in 2005.
Liverpool currently grace the apex of the league standings, having notched up four wins from as many games. Sporting Lisbon and Monaco closely trail with ten points each, thanks to their three wins and a draw. Introducing a fresh twist, UEFA’s new 36-team structure means the elite eight proceed directly, positions nine through 24 battle it out in a playoff, and the bottom dozen bow out.
Amorim’s Grand Farewell:
Before Sporting’s face-off with City, the home supporters unfurled an immense banner bearing gratitude for Rúben Amorim, set to depart for Manchester United.
Phil Foden momentarily gave City an edge with a fourth-minute wonder, marking only the second goal Sporting let through in this competition. Yet, the night belonged to Viktor Gyökeres, the Swedish sensation who bagged a hat trick and propelled Sporting to glory. His first goal arrived in the 38th minute via a perfect assist from Geovany Quenda. Then, right after halftime, Maximiliano Araújo took Sporting ahead. Gyökeres cemented the lead with a penalty, awarded after Joško Gvardiol’s foul on Francisco Trincão.
Haaland’s unfortunate penalty hit the bar, whereas Gyökeres showed him how it’s done with another successful penalty, sealing the game.
It’s been five years since City’s found themselves at the wrong end of a three-game streak, on the heels of losses to Tottenham in the English League Cup and Bournemouth in the Premier League.
City’s Bernardo Silva mused, “In all my years here, I’ve not seen a streak like this.”
Real Madrid’s Woes:
Meanwhile, Madrid stumbled again. Christian Pulisic’s corner teed up Malick Thiaw for a 12th-minute header, putting Milan in front. Madrid, a 15-time Champions League winner, has repeatedly had its wings clipped in this season’s campaign, with a past upset against underdogs Lille.
Vinícius Júnior managed to equalize for Madrid through a penalty in the 23rd minute following a foul on him. Yet, Álvaro Morata’s opportunistic goal restored the visitors’ advantage after Rafael Leão’s shot was merely parried by Andriy Lunin.
Morata, no stranger to the Bernabéu jeers, had faced this crowd’s wrath since his infamous goal for Juventus in 2015.
Tijjani Reijnders further inflamed tensions with Milan’s third goal, much to the home fans’ dismay.
“These defeats boggle the mind. Quick introspection and reaction are crucial,” urged Lunin, reflecting on both Madrid’s loss here and a recent rout by Barcelona.
Opta confirmed the rarity of Madrid suffering back-to-back multi-goal defeats at home since 2009.
“It’s time we steer back on course,” Lunin declared.
Other Close Contests:
Celtic’s German attacker, Nicolas Kühn, netted twice, ensuring a 3-1 home triumph over Leipzig. Elsewhere, Juventus eked out a 1-1 draw at Lille. Edon Zhegrova, weaving past defenders, set up Jonathan David’s strike for Lille, only for Dušan Vlahović to level the score from the spot for Juventus.
In late action, Donyell Malen’s decisive goal secured Dortmund’s win over Sturm Graz at home. Similarly, Thilo Kehrer’s late strike brought Monaco a victory at Bologna.
Malik Tillman of the USA made a mark, scoring and assisting in PSV Eindhoven’s 4-0 romp over Girona.
Lastly, Dinamo Zagreb turned the tables on Slovan Bratislava, clinching a 4-1 comeback win, rendering it Bratislava’s fourth consecutive defeat in the competition.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
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