It was the penultimate round of the Champions League group stages. The business end of the first phase where qualification is firmly in the balance.
Previously, matchday four delivered in the shape of headline performances from Atalanta, who deservingly won against Liverpool at Anfield. There was a crucial win for Real Madrid at Inter Milan in the San Siro. It was a victory to kick-start Los Blancos stuttering continental campaign. Meanwhile, Chelsea enjoyed their sixth win in a row, collecting all three points at Rennes.
Champions League Matchday Five: Shakhtar Shock Real Madrid and Chelsea Hammer Sevilla
That was a summary of what happened in the last round of European fixtures. So let’s check out the five takeaways from this latest matchday of the Champions League:
Shakhtar Donetsk Stun Real Madrid in Champions League Again
Lightning does strike twice. The Ukrainians celebrate a famous double over their illustrious European rival. If their 3-2 win in Madrid in October caused a stir, then their 2-0 victory from this matchday sent shockwaves throughout world football.
Madrid’s defeat now means their European hopes hang in the balance and needing a win against Borussia Monchengladbach in their final group game. The forlorn heavyweights need to summon all of their Champions League experience to qualify for the knockout stages.
Youth Never Walk Alone as Liverpool Progress
It is job done for Liverpool as they quality for the Champions League Round of 16 – a victory built on youth. The Reds winning 1-0 against a stubborn Ajax side. The goal came from Neco Williams‘ pinpoint in swinging cross with Curtis Jones converting at an acute angle.
It was a competent performance on his Champions League debut for Goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher making several smart stops and producing a wonderful diving save. So it was a crucial win built on the foundation of youth.
Much Changed Bayern Münich Still Demonstrate Champions Heart
A trip to the Wanda Metropolitano to face La Liga title chasing Atlético Madrid is a daunting prospect. But not for a champion team like current champions Bayern Münich. Even an under strength starting 11 with only five usual starters held a full strength Diego Simeone side.
The impressive João Féliz opened the scoring for the Spaniards to continue his great form. However, a penalty from substitute Thomas Mųller late on secured a deserving draw. In addition Bayern have taken four points from six against the Madrid outfit who are riding high as current leaders in Spanish football. Therefore the German machine remains the European benchmark.
Paris Saint-Germain Perform on Big Night
Paris Saint-Germain gained a vital win at Manchester United to exact revenge for their defeat in matchday one. The Parisians were good value for their 3-1 win and eased to victory with two goals from Neymar and one from Marquinhos. Marcus Rashford scored for the Red Devils and had Fred sent off. But his absence did not condition the overall theme of Paris being in control and stepped up when they needed to.
Not even the Edinson Cavani factor could help the Old Trafford side fire on form. So it is all to play for in the final group game with both these teams and Red Bull Leipzig deadlocked on nine points. A final day shootout awaits.
The Olivier Giroud Show
Sevilla have one of the best home records in World Football, but Chelsea ripped up that particular book and created a new chapter with a sensational 4-0 away victory to seal top spot. And the man of the night was undoubtedly Olivier Giroud. A hat trick of second half goals added to his early first half strike ensured the Frenchman left with the match ball and four goals to his name.
A perfect storm of strikes with the left foot, right foot, header and penalty. His team are the first English side to conquer Sevilla in five years. Sevilla left shell-shocked by their heaviest home defeat since January 2005. Humbled by a foursome performance by Giroud and the Blues.
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