In the latest UEFA Champions League action, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich both made significant strides towards advancing from their respective groups.
Real Madrid cemented their spot in the knockout stages with a convincing 3-0 victory over Braga. However, the match was not without its tense moments. Goalkeeper Andriy Lunin became the hero for Real when he saved a penalty from Braga’s Alvaro Djalo after Lucas Vazquez fouled Cristian Borja in the box.
Brahim Diaz then eased Real’s nerves by slotting home a goal after an impressive run and cross from Rodrygo. Real extended their lead in the 58th minute when Vinicius fired a low shot into the net from eight yards. Rodrygo later turned from provider to scorer, delicately finishing over Matheus Magalhaes to seal the 3-0 win.
This victory propelled Real Madrid to 12 points from four games, and they are now focused on securing the top spot in their remaining two matches.
HARRY KANE SHINES AS BAYERN MUNICH ADVANCE
Bayern Munich faced a challenging test but managed to secure their qualification from Group A with a 2-1 win over Galatasaray, thanks to two goals from Harry Kane.
Kane, who has seamlessly adapted to life in Germany, opened the scoring on the 80th minute with a header from Joshua Kimmich’s free-kick. The goal had to undergo VAR scrutiny before being confirmed. Kane’s second goal was a straightforward finish from six yards after a lapse in Galatasaray’s defense.
Galatasaray made it nerve-wracking for Bayern when Cedric Bakambu capitalized on a long ball to score, but Bayern held on for the victory.
UNION BERLIN HALTS LOSING STREAK AGAINST NAPOLI
Union Berlin managed to break their 12-game losing streak by coming from behind to secure a valuable point against Napoli. The German side has endured a tough start to the 2023/24 season, but they showed resilience in this Champions League clash.
Napoli initially dominated both possession and chances, with a goal from Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa disallowed by VAR. Anguissa thought he had nodded in a header from Giovanni Di Lorenzo’s cross, but it was ruled out for a foul.
Napoli eventually found the net in the 39th minute when Matteo Politano reacted quickly to convert Mario Rui’s deflected cross.
However, Union Berlin staged a second-half comeback, securing a 1-1 draw and ending their long losing streak in a challenging group.
Union’s losing streak came to an end as they battled Napoli to a draw in Italy. Napoli controlled the game, and a close call came in the first half when Josip Juranovic’s free-kick hit the post. However, Union found a breakthrough with a quick counterattack. A long pass found David Fofana, who drew defenders and set up Sheraldo Becker for a shot saved by Alex Meret, but Fofana hammered in the rebound.
Napoli pushed for a winner, but Union’s resilient defense secured a valuable point. Napoli now has seven points from four games, while Union finally got on the board in European competition.
MANCHESTER UNITED LEFT SHOCKED IN COPENHAGEN
In a thrilling match in Denmark, Manchester United squandered a two-goal lead to lose 4-3 to Copenhagen. Rajmus Hojlund’s double put United in control, but Marcus Rashford’s red card changed the course of the game. After Copenhagen leveled the score at 2-2, they conceded a penalty, allowing Bruno Fernandes to put United ahead again.
However, Lukas Lerager equalized for Copenhagen, and Roony Bardghji scored the dramatic winner three minutes from time. This defeat leaves United at the bottom of Group A with three points, while Bayern leads with 12 points, followed by Galatasaray and Copenhagen with four each.
ARSENAL SECURES A VICTORY TO MOVE ONE STEP CLOSER TO QUALIFYING
Arsenal strengthened their position atop Group B with a 2-0 victory over Sevilla. Bukayo Saka set up Leandro Trossard for the opening goal, and he later sealed the win with a stunning solo effort. Saka embarked on a rapid break, entered the box, cut inside on his left foot, and finished brilliantly.
Despite the win, Arsenal must wait to secure qualification as PSV Eindhoven’s 1-0 victory over Lens kept the competition alive. Arsenal leads the group with nine points, followed by PSV and Lens with five points each, while Sevilla languishes at the bottom with two points.
REAL SOCIEDAD BLAZES BENFICA
Real Sociedad solidified their position in Group D with a comfortable 3-1 home victory over Benfica. The Basque side, tied on points with Inter Milan at the top of the standings, dominated the match. Mikel Merino headed Real Sociedad in front early, and Mikel Oyarzabal doubled their lead after capitalizing on defensive errors. Ander Barrenetxea made it 3-0 with a well-placed shot.
Despite Benfica pulling one back through Rafa Silva, Real Sociedad held on to secure all three points, moving to 10 points from four games. Inter also won, beating Salzburg thanks to a Lautaro Martinez penalty, and both Inter and Real Sociedad advanced to the knockout stages atop the table with 10 points each.