New Delhi: The Champions League delivered another night of drama as Europe’s elite battled for crucial points in the extended group stage. Arsenal, Barcelona, and Juventus grabbed the headlines with standout performances, each overcoming unique challenges to bolster their campaigns. Arsenal brushed aside Monaco 3-0, thanks to a Bukayo Saka brace, while Barcelona edged Borussia Dortmund 3-2 in a thrilling encounter at Signal Iduna Park. Juventus stunned a struggling Manchester City with a 2-0 victory, pushing Pep Guardiola’s side closer to an early exit.
Elsewhere, AC Milan secured a vital 2-1 win over FK Crvena zvezda, showcasing resilience to keep their hopes alive. Atletico Madrid continued their strong run with a 3-1 triumph over Slovan Bratislava. With upsets, standout individual performances, and rising stakes, the group stage is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable in years.
Borussia Dortmund 2-3 FC Barcelona
🔥 ¡VICTORIA EN DORTMUND! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/MR3JYwiLVj
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona_es) December 11, 2024
Barcelona edged past Borussia Dortmund in a thrilling encounter at Signal Iduna Park, clinching a late 3-2 victory in a match packed with drama and goals. Despite the intimidating home crowd, the visitors started brightly. Yamal tested Gregor Kobel early, and Raphinha came close with a driven effort.
Dortmund had their first real chance in the 16th minute, but Marcel Sabitzer blazed over from Julien Duranville’s cross. Jules Koundé forced a save from Kobel, while Serhou Guirassy’s offside header tested Iñaki Peña’s reflexes.
After the break, Julian Ryerson made way for Yan Couto due to a knock. Guirassy thought he had scored, but his goal was ruled offside before Dani Olmo’s precise pass set up Raphinha to fire Barcelona into the lead. Dortmund quickly levelled after Cubarsí fouled Guirassy in the box, with the Malian calmly slotting home the penalty.
Robert Lewandowski’s return to Dortmund didn’t bring a goal, but his replacement, Ferran Torres, restored Barca’s lead, reacting quickest to a rebound.
Moments later, Guirassy struck again, capitalising on Couto’s clever pass. However, Barcelona had the final say. Yamal broke free after a defensive lapse and set up Torres, who fired the decisive goal past Kobel to seal the win.
Juventus 2-0 Manchester City
Juventus beat Man City 💪#UCL pic.twitter.com/H4KL15iCke
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) December 11, 2024
Manchester City’s Champions League campaign took another blow as they fell to a 2-0 defeat at Juventus. Goals from Dušan Vlahović and Weston McKennie sealed City’s fate, continuing a shocking run of poor form for the reigning Premier League champions. Now sitting 22nd in the 36-team standings, City’s chances of progressing to the knockout stages look increasingly slim.
Once favourites in the competition, Pep Guardiola’s side have struggled to replicate their dominance. Plagued by injuries and a visible dip in confidence, they have won just once in their last 10 matches. In stark contrast, Juventus reignited their hopes of qualification with a solid performance, while City are left battling to stay in contention for a playoff spot.
Elsewhere, Atletico Madrid continued their fine form with a 3-1 win over Slovan Bratislava, as Antoine Griezmann’s double and Julian Alvarez’s brilliant opener highlighted their quality. Alvarez, sold by City in August, has 12 goals this season, showcasing what Guardiola’s team are sorely missing.
Arsenal 3-0 Monaco
A good night’s work in N5 💪 pic.twitter.com/DomVfQTa0t
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) December 11, 2024
Arsenal eased past Monaco with a convincing 3-0 victory in their Champions League group stage clash, ensuring they remain on course for a direct spot in the round of 16. Mikel Arteta’s side showcased resilience despite an injury-hit defence, with young debutant Myles Lewis-Skelly excelling in a makeshift left-back role.
Bukayo Saka opened the scoring in the 34th minute, tapping home after a sublime link-up involving Lewis-Skelly and Gabriel Jesus. Saka’s sharp finishing provided Arsenal with the edge, though their wastefulness in front of goal, particularly from Jesus, prevented them from extending the lead earlier. Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Ødegaard also missed clear chances, keeping Monaco in contention.
Monaco improved after the break, pushing Arsenal back with increased intensity. Breel Embolo squandered a golden chance for an equaliser, firing wide after good work from Takumi Minamino. However, Arsenal capitalised on defensive errors, with Saka doubling the lead after Mohammed Salisu’s poor backpass. Kai Havertz added the final goal late on, converting a Saka assist to seal the win.
This result solidifies Arsenal’s position in the standings, emphasising their quality and depth as they look to avoid the February playoffs. Arteta will be pleased with the display, especially from the youthful Lewis-Skelly.
Other results
Atletico Madrid 3-1 Slovan Bratislava
LOSC Lille 3-2 SK Slum Graz
Benfica 0-0 Bologna
AC Milan 2-1 Crvena zvezda
Feyenoord 4-2 Sparta Praha
VFB Stuttgart 5-1 Young Boys
Arsenal, Barcelona, and Juventus secured vital Champions League victories as the group stage intensifies with dramatic clashes and high stakes Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
