Tag Archives: Champions League

Villarreal’s return to European competition began on a sour note as they fell 1-0 away to Tottenham. In what was largely a tight, tactical match, the decisive moment came from a costly error by goalkeeper Luiz Júnior, who gifted Spurs their winner. Despite late efforts from Nicolas Pépé and others, Marcelino’s men couldn’t find a way back. The “Yellow Submarine” …

Union Saint-Gilloise have been one of the surprise packages in European football in recent years. Last season, they reached the Europa League round of 16, where they bowed out to Ajax, but their progress confirmed their growing reputation. This year, Sébastien Pocognoli’s men are testing themselves on an even bigger stage — the Champions League. Their debut could hardly have …

Napoli’s Champions League journey began with one of the toughest fixtures possible — a trip to Manchester City. Reduced to 10 men after just 20 minutes, Antonio Conte’s side inevitably struggled and fell 2-0. That defeat remains their only setback across all competitions this season. Domestically, the reigning Italian champions have been in strong form, winning their first four Serie …

After falling to Benfica in the playoffs last season, AS Monaco hoped to make a stronger impact in this year’s Champions League. Instead, their campaign started on the wrong foot with a heavy 4-1 defeat away to Club Brugge on Matchday 1. The loss left Adi Hütter’s men with work to do, and while the group standings after one game …

Borussia Dortmund, last season’s quarterfinalists, began their 2025/26 Champions League campaign in dramatic fashion. Away to Juventus two weeks ago, they looked set for a statement win after leading 4-2 deep into stoppage time. But in a chaotic finale, Dortmund conceded twice to settle for a 4-4 draw — a result that felt more like a defeat given their dominance …

Bayer Leverkusen have experienced a turbulent few months, marked by dramatic changes both on and off the pitch. After Xabi Alonso’s departure to Real Madrid, Erik ten Hag briefly took charge but lasted only three official matches. A humiliating 5-1 preseason defeat against Flamengo’s U19 side set the tone, and tensions quickly grew. Players reportedly struggled to adapt to his …

FC Barcelona return to Europe’s biggest stage with unfinished business. After narrowly missing out on last season’s final against Inter Milan — eliminated in heartbreaking fashion in the dying seconds — the Catalan club enters this year’s competition determined to go further. Their campaign began with a tough away trip to Newcastle in mid-September, where Hansi Flick’s side struggled to …

Arsenal enter the 2025/26 Champions League campaign with ambitions higher than at any point in recent memory. Their transfer activity over the summer was not only active but also highly strategic, addressing weaknesses that cost them dearly in last season’s semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain. With squad depth now improved, especially in defense and attack, Mikel Arteta’s side looks like a …