Legend:
Bayern’s goalscorer off duty
Harry Kane.
imago images/Mladen Lackovic
- In Group A of the Champions League, Bayern made it into the knockout phase after a 2-1 win against Galatasaray. United loses a spectacular game against Copenhagen 3-4.
- Union Berlin ends its losing streak with a 1-1 draw against Napoli. Real Madrid only struggled at the start against Braga.
- Arsenal and Eindhoven celebrate important victories in Group B. In Group D, Benfica clearly loses at San Sebastian, Inter wins in Salzburg.
Group A: Bayern win thanks to Kane – spectacle in Copenhagen
- Bayern Munich – Galatasaray 2:1
With the 4th win in the 4th game, Bayern Munich secured their ticket to the round of 16 ahead of schedule. But the Germans had to wait a long time for the opening goal. It wasn’t until the 80th minute that Harry Kane broke the spell with the opening goal with his header. Six minutes later, the English goalscorer doubled his lead. Cédric Bakambu’s goal came too late (93′). The German series champion continued an impressive series. The success against Galatasaray was the 17th win in a row in a group game in the premier class.
- Copenhagen – Manchester United 4:3
Behind group winners Bayern Munich there is a three-way battle between Manchester United, Galatasaray and Copenhagen for second place. The “Red Devils” lost dramatically in Copenhagen and fell to last place. The guests from Manchester were 3-2 up until the 83rd minute before Copenhagen turned the game around thanks to two goals within 4 minutes. United had already given up a lead in the first half. Coach Erik ten Hag’s team was leading 2-0 thanks to a brace from Rasmus Höjlund (3rd/28th), when Marcus Rashford flew straight off the pitch after a hard tackle (42nd). Copenhagen equalized the game before the break.
Group C: Union with signs of life – Real confident
It was a lot of hard work for Union Berlin with coach Urs Fischer during the guest appearance in Naples, but in the end it was enough for the Iron Men to get their first point ever in the Champions League. The troubled Köpenickers (12 defeats in a row across all competitions) had little to report against the Italian champions at the beginning and consequently conceded the 0-1 in the 39th minute. Matteo Politano fortunately but deservedly gave the home team the lead. The Germans’ reaction followed immediately after the break: David Fofana scored with a goal (52′). At the end of the game, Napoli pushed for victory, but the Italians were denied another goal. Despite ending the series of defeats, Union’s dream of the knockout phase is shattered after 4 group games in the premier class.
- Real Madrid – Braga 3-0
The bad news reached Real Madrid shortly before the start of the game: regular goalkeeper Kepa was out with muscle problems, replacement goalkeeper Andrij Lunin stepped in. After just a few minutes, the Ukrainian had to prove his skills: a penalty for Braga. Lunin passed the test confidently, the 24-year-old saved Alvaro Djalo’s attempt. As a result, the “Royal” turned up the heat. Brahim Diaz’s supposed opening goal in the 12th minute was disallowed, but shortly afterwards the 24-year-old made it 1-0 (27th). In the second round, Vinicius Junior made the decision from close range (58th) and Rodrygo with a wonderful lob (61st). Thanks to this victory, the Spaniards are in the knockout phase early.
Group B: PSV mini-victory – Arsenal confidently beat Sevilla
Arsenal are heading towards the round of 16 in Group B. The English put in a dominant performance against the guests from Seville (up to 65 with Djibril Sow) and only allowed one (harmless) shot on goal. At the front, Bukayo Saka became the match winner. The 22-year-old provided the ready assist for teammate Leandro Trossard (29th) before completing a counterattack himself in the 64th minute.
- PSV Eindhoven – Lens 1-0
Behind Arsenal, thanks to Eindhoven, there is a close duel for second place. The Dutch secured a mini-victory against Lens thanks to a goal in the 12th minute from Luuk de Jong – the 33-year-old headed it. This means that PSV moves past the French into second place in the table. Sevilla follows the two teams with the same points, 3 points behind.