Huge Moments from Matchday 5 of the UEFA Champions League

These include the likes of Manchester City, RB Leipzig, Real Madrid, Inter Milan, Real Sociedad, Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund">Borussia Dortmund, Atletico Madrid, Lazio, Arsenal and PSV Eindhoven having solidified their positions, sets the stage for compelling matchups ahead.
On the other side of the spectrum, Union Berlin, FC Salzburg, Benfica, Celtic, Antwerp, Young Boys, Red Star Belgrade, Feyenoord, Sevilla, and Lens bid farewell to this year's Champions League campaign.
The configurations of all eight groups are clearer. It marks the last season under the current multigroup format before the new transition to a 36-team competition with all clubs integrated into a single league table.
Here are some of the Highlights from Matchday 5
The Defending Champions again showed their resilience on Tuesday night against German side - RB Leipzig. Their ability to overcome adversity was displayed as they orchestrated a comeback that left fans in awe. Both teams already qualified with two games remaining and battled for the top spot in Group G. The Citizens set up a stunning comeback to conquer RB Leipzig, coming back from 2 goals down to seal a victory at the Etihad.
Belgian forward Lois Openda delivered a stellar first-half brace that sparked optimism for a surprising victory for the visiting team on the same turf where they suffered a 7-0 defeat in the previous season's knockout phase. It was not to be as Pep Guardiola’s men came charging in the second half, scoring thrice to extend their 29 matches unbeaten run at home in the UEFA Champions League. Thanks to goals from Youngsters, Erling Haaland, Phil Foden, and Julian Alvarez.
Erling Haaland became the youngest (23 years and four months) and fastest player in history to reach 40 Champions League goals.
Group F in the UEFA Champions League has emerged as one of the most fiercely contested groups, with all four teams closely positioned in points. The group showcases a remarkable level of competitiveness, evident in the balanced performances demonstrated by each team so far. Borussia Dortmund advanced to the Knockout stages with a 3-1 win away from home in Milan. However, PSG struggled to a 1-1 draw with Eddie Howe’s Newcastle in Paris.
Outcomes are unpredictable as Matchday 6 would be the deciding phase for the Group. As rivalries intensify, it becomes evident that every decision made on and off the field holds immense significance for all four teams aiming to advance to the knockout stages. Group F provides an engaging spectacle and a showcase of football excellence.
PSG must win Dortmund to seal Qualification. Newcastle and AC Milan face off for a potential 3rd place spot (if PSG wins) and hoping Dortmund defeats PSG.
On Tuesday's match at the Parc des Prince, PSG was held to a 1-1 draw against Newcastle in Group F. Kylian Mbappé scored in the eighth minute of stoppage time to secure a 1-1 draw for the home side. The goal came after the ball hit Newcastle defender Tino Livramento's chest and then deflected off his arm, leading to a penalty awarded by Polish referee Szymon Marciniak following a VAR review. Marciniak initially allowed play to continue but was later awarded the penalty after consulting the pitchside monitor based on his video assistant's advice.
A UEFA panel of coaches and former players in April agreed that players should not be penalized if the ball is deflected from their bodies, especially when it does not move toward the goal. This decision now hunts Newcastle's qualification to the Round of 16. They must win AC Milan in the final matchday and hope PSG fails to win at Dortmund to qualify for the Knockout stages.
A German match official replaced the Polish VAR specialist -Tomasz Kwiatkowski for the Real Sociedad-Salzburg game. This event adds substance to multiple controversies on the modifications to the VAR system.
Barcelona staged a comeback from one goal down to triumph 2-1 over Porto in Group H, securing their place in the Champions League last 16. Barcelona hasn’t made it to the knockout stages of the UCL since the departure of Club Legend and eight-time Ballon d'Or holder -Lionel Messi in the spring of 2021. With a rich history of success across European competitions, Barca is no stranger to the pressure and intensity that this challenge brings. Under the guidance of the experienced Xavi and high-profile signings, Barcelona will set their sights on attaining UEFA Champions League (UCL) glory and reclaiming their dominance on the continental stage.
Brazilian winger -Pepe opened the scoring for the visitors at Camp Nou. However, just two minutes after Pepe’s opener, Barca equalized with a stunning goal from Left-back -Joao Cancelo. The goalscorer set up his national teammate Joao Felix for the winning goal in the 56th minute.
Shankar and Porto have 9 points each, and both face off for a second-place spot in the Group. The winner advances to the knockout stages and later the Europa League Knockouts. FC Porto would qualify if both teams draw due to a higher Goal-difference advantage. Royal Antwerp has yet to secure a UCL point and has been eliminated from the Group Stages.
Captain Ciro Immobile came off the bench in the 61st minute to fire in two goals inside three minutes and end Celtic's European journey this season. It would be the second time Maurizio Sarri’s men would grab a late winner against the Scottish side. Immobile and Pedro Rodriguez came on for Valentin Castellanos and Felipe Anderson. Their impactful performances proved instrumental in propelling the Italian side to a resounding victory. Lazio sits second in Group E, A point behind Group Leaders Atletico Madrid. Both teams would face off in an epic Final Matchday fixture to determine who claims the top spot.
Brendan Rodger's side came into the game knowing they must win both their remaining matches and hope for specific results to have any chance at progressing to the Europa competition. They have now gone six years 15 games without a win in the Champions League. In third place, Feyenoord sets to play on to the Europa Cup while Celtic exits the Champions League.
Six different goalscorers were on the scoresheet as Arsenal trashed Lens 6-0 at the Emirates. Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Martin Odegaard scored in the first half of the game to put the Gunners 5-0 up going into the break. Jorginho slotted home a penalty in the 86th minute to complete a thriller display. Arsenal are back in the last 16 of the Champions League for the first time since 2017. This victory takes the four points clear of second place PSV Eindhoven in Group B, while both qualify for the Round of 16.
TUESDAY 28TH NOVEMBER 2023
Lazio (2) :(0) Celtic FT
AC Milan (1) :(3) B Dortmund FT
PSG (1) :(1) Newcastle FT
Man City (3) :(2) RB Leipzig FT
Barcelona (2) :(1) FC Porto FT
Shekhar Donetsk (1) :(0) Royal Antwerp FT
Feyenoord (1) :(3) At Madrid FT
Young Boys (2) :(0) Red Star Belgrade FT
WEDNESDAY 29TH NOVEMBER 2023
Galatasaray (3) :(3) Manchester United FT
Bayern Munich (0) :(0) FC Copenhagen FT
Sevilla (2) :(3) PSV Eindhoven FT
Arsenal (6) :(0) Lens FT
Real Madrid (4) :(2) Napoli FT
Sporting Braga (1) :(1) FC Union Berlin FT
Benfica (3) :(3) Inter Milan FT
Real Sociedad (0) :(0) FC Red Bull Salzburg FT
Four more teams would look forward to booking a spot in the knockout stages at the end of the road. The rest would either battle for the Top spot or a place at the Europa League Knockouts. Either way, the Final Matchday promises to bring thrilling moments and excitement. All eyes are on the pitch as everyone's eager to see who will clinch the final spots in the knockout stages. Below are the upcoming fixtures for Matchday 6 of this season's Champions League.
Tuesday, 12 December 2023
17:45 GMT Lens Vs. Sevilla
17:45 GMT PSV Vs. Arsenal
20:00 GMT Copenhagen Vs. Galatasaray
20:00 GMT Inter Vs. Real Sociedad
20:00 GMT Man Utd Vs. Bayern
20:00 GMT Napoli Vs. SC Braga
20:00 GMT Red Bull Salzburg Vs. Benfica
20:00 GMT Union Berlin Vs. Real Madrid
Wednesday, 13 December 2023
17:45 GMT RB Leipzig Vs. Young Boys
17:45 GMT Red Star Belgrade Vs. Man City
20:00 GMT Antwerp Vs. Barcelona
20:00 GMT Atlético Vs. Lazio
20:00 GMT Celtic Vs. Feyenoord
20:00 GMT Dortmund Vs. PSG
20:00 GMT Newcastle Vs. AC Milan
20:00 GMT Porto Vs. Shakhtar
UEFA Champions League Tickets are in incredibly high demand. It's important to note that tickets from official sites are all gone due to this overwhelming demand. However, trusted reseller platforms are still your go-to source for securing a spot in the Action. Act swiftly and explore available tickets on Seatsnet. Review seat maps and compare prices to Secure the ideal Spot for an unforgettable experience. Ensure you don't miss any of the action – book your tickets through Seatsnet and cheer your favorites to UCL Glory!